Nigeria’s healthcare system is notoriously expensive, and an unexpected emergency can bankrupt a family. Partnering up with Hygeia, EFInA (an organization Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access), and FETS, (a local health insurance provider), non-profit design organisation Ideo.org is piloting a project to deliver affordable health insurance to even the most far flung communities in Nigeria.

A large percentage of Nigeria is unbanked, which means most of the population pays for everything in person, in cash. So the next obstacle to getting treatment is paying for insurance. To get around the issue of payment logistics they are using a mobile money payment system. This allows customers to pay for insurance in small amounts using their phones, while not having to worry about travel expenses, and the time it would otherwise take to go to the bank.

By using mobile phones as the primary point of contact, people can also access direct support wherever they are, getting a better all round service than traditional mechanisms.

Musonda Mukuka is a self-proclaimed "person-fearing, animal-loving potential writer and eater of baked goods