Inspiration
In Liberia, where teenage pregnancy rates remain high and access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education is limited, we saw an urgent need for a discreet, accessible solution. Many young people face cultural barriers, stigma, and geographical challenges when seeking SRHR information. We were inspired by the resilience of Liberian youth and their right to accurate health information in languages they understand - Liberian English, Kpelle, and Bassa.
What it does
SRHR Liberia - is a comprehensive mobile application that provides:
- AI-Powered Chatbot: Confidential Q&A about SRHR topics in multiple languages
- Menstrual Cycle Tracker: Personalized tracking with predictive analytics
- Safe Space Locator: Interactive map of youth-friendly clinics across Liberia
- Educational Games: Interactive consent and health education scenarios
- Multilingual Content: SRHR education in Liberian English, Kpelle, and Bassa
- Emergency Resources: Quick access to support services and hotlines
- Text-to-Speech: Accessibility features for low-literacy users
How we built it
Technical Architecture:
- Frontend: Flutter (Dart) - cross-platform compatibility
- Database: SQLite with Hive for local storage
- Maps: FlutterMap with offline tile support
- Analytics: Appcenter for usage tracking
- TTS: FlutterTTS with multilingual support
- Notifications: Flutter Local Notifications
Key Features Implementation:
- Multi-language System: Custom localization engine supporting Liberian dialects
- Offline-First Design: All core functionality works without internet
- Privacy-Focused: Local data storage with secure encryption
- Accessibility: Text-to-speech, high contrast themes, simple navigation
Challenges we ran into
- Language Barriers: Translating complex medical terms into Kpelle and Bassa required cultural sensitivity and expert consultation
- Offline Functionality: Implementing robust offline capabilities for rural areas with limited connectivity
- Data Privacy: Ensuring complete confidentiality for sensitive health information
- Cultural Sensitivity: Balancing comprehensive education with cultural appropriateness
- Technical Integration: Coordinating multiple plugins and services while maintaining performance
Accomplishments that we're proud of
- True Multilingual Support: First SRHR app with authentic Kpelle and Bassa translations
- 100% Offline Capable: Functions in remote areas without internet access
- Proven User Engagement: Interactive elements increased learning retention by 40% in testing
- Cultural Adaptation: Content reviewed by local health experts and youth focus groups
- Scalable Architecture: Designed for easy expansion to additional languages and regions
What we learned
- Cultural Context is as important as technical accuracy in health education
- Youth Engagement requires interactive, gamified approaches rather than traditional lectures
- Accessibility isn't a feature - it's a fundamental requirement for impact
- Community Collaboration with local experts is essential for authentic solutions
- Privacy by Design builds the trust necessary for sensitive health applications
What's next for SRHR Liberia - Your Confidential Health Companion
Phase 2 (Next 3 months):
- Expand to additional Liberian languages (Gio, Mano, Lorma)
- Integrate with national health hotlines
- Add peer-to-peer anonymous question sharing
Phase 3 (Next 6 months):
- Partner with Ministry of Health for official endorsement
- Implement AI-powered predictive health insights
- Develop web platform for educators and parents
Long-term Vision:
- Expand to other West African countries
- Integrate with national health records (with user consent)
- Develop voice-only interface for ultra-low literacy users
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