Say-ku

Myanmar, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare personnel shortages have ruined the healthcare systems in Myanmar. People seeking healthcare faced delays in treatment resulting in unnecessary deaths. Once everybody can easily access quality healthcare advice, e.g., whether they should go to hospitals or seek only symptomatic treatment, people can make quick decisions to process timely referrals or receive appropriate treatment. Because of the growing evidence of increased digital literacy in Myanmar, we proposed to create an android-based mobile application named “Say-Ku” – the Burmese word for “Healthcare”, to deliver promising healthcare advice without any barriers to all patients experiencing a fever residing across the country.

Bridging Healthcare Gaps in Myanmar with a Simple App

In the heart of Southeast Asia, Myanmar faces a healthcare crisis that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent political turmoil. With the lowest life expectancy in the region, the need for accessible healthcare solutions is more pressing than ever. Enter Say-Ku, a mobile application designed to provide healthcare advice to patients with fever, a common symptom linked to major infectious diseases like COVID-19 and malaria. This is the story of how Say-Ku is making waves in Myanmar’s healthcare landscape, and what the future holds for this innovative project.

The Mission: A Digital Lifeline

Say-Ku, which means “”Healthcare”” in Burmese, was born out of necessity. The pandemic and political instability have strained Myanmar’s healthcare system to its limits, leaving many without access to timely medical advice. The project’s mission is simple yet profound: to offer reliable healthcare advice to anyone with a smartphone, breaking down barriers to access and enabling quick, informed decisions about treatment and referrals.

The app leverages Myanmar’s growing digital literacy, with over 68 million mobile connections and 22 million social media users in the early 2020s. By integrating a fever-management checklist into an Android-based platform, Say-Ku provides standardized and validated healthcare advice, empowering users to decide whether to seek hospital care or manage symptoms at home.

Impact and Achievements: A Ripple Effect

Since its launch, Say-Ku has made significant strides. The app’s final version is now available on the Google Play Store, following rigorous beta testing to ensure a user-friendly experience. The Say-Ku Facebook page has become a hub for health-related content, featuring articles, videos, and quizzes tailored to public interest and audience requests. With 45 posts and counting, the page has garnered over 1.5K shares and reached diverse regions across Myanmar, amassing more than 2,600 likes.

These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent lives touched and informed by Say-Ku’s efforts. The app has already provided free healthcare advice to thousands, helping to alleviate the burden on Myanmar’s healthcare system and offering a lifeline to those in remote areas where medical facilities are scarce.

Lessons Learned: Overcoming Hurdles

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The team faced a three-week delay in launching the app due to difficulties in verifying the developer’s ID, a hurdle compounded by Myanmar’s current political climate. Yet, through perseverance and determination, the team overcame these obstacles, launching the app in early August 2022.

This experience underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity. It also highlighted the critical role of partnerships, with YSEALI Seeds providing essential financial support and the Cultural Vistas team offering invaluable guidance in resource management and reporting procedures.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

Say-Ku’s journey is far from over. The team aims to expand the app’s reach, providing healthcare advice to at least 5,000 patients with fever by January 2023. But their aspirations don’t stop there. They envision a future where Say-Ku becomes a cornerstone of Myanmar’s healthcare system, offering a scalable model for other regions facing similar challenges.

The team is also exploring ways to enhance the app’s functionality, incorporating feedback from users to improve its effectiveness and accessibility. By continuing to engage with the community through social media and other platforms, Say-Ku hopes to foster a culture of health literacy and proactive healthcare management.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Say-Ku’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing complex challenges. For youth leaders and aspiring changemakers, it serves as a reminder that even the most daunting problems can be tackled with creativity, determination, and a willingness to learn from setbacks.

As Say-Ku continues to grow and evolve, it invites future applicants and partners to join in its mission. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for Myanmar and beyond. The journey may be challenging, but the impact is undeniable—and the possibilities are endless.”

Join the Movement

Are you inspired by Say-Ku's groundbreaking journey to bridge healthcare gaps in Myanmar? Do you want to create meaningful change and tackle pressing issues in your community? The YSEALI Seeds for the Future 2025 provides passionate young leaders like you with the opportunity, resources, and support needed to bring innovative projects to life. Just like Say-Ku, your idea could transform lives and improve access to essential services, empowering communities to thrive in the face of challenges. Don’t let this opportunity slip by—apply for YSEALI Seeds for the Future 2025 today and join a network of change-makers dedicated to impacting Southeast Asia. If Say-Ku can leverage digital platforms to provide vital healthcare advice despite adversity, imagine what your project could achieve with the right support. Take the step toward making a difference and be the next wave of positive change in your region. Visit our website to learn more and apply now.