Musicians Help Aid FOSS Initiative in Africa
by Lisa Hoover - Feb. 16, 2009Comments (0)- Related Blog Posts
- Over 10 Open Source Cloud Computing Tools and Resources
- Training and Support: Still Key to Enterprise Open Source Adoption
- Linux Prospects, Post-Windows 7
- OStatic Buffer Overflow...
- ECM Vendor Knowledge Tree Helping to Reforest Africa
Few things are more heartbreaking than the notion of children without access to healthcare. While no one denies that there's a tremendous need for better healthcare options for American children, the U.S. provides for emergency care, vaccinations, and other basic needs. Children in many other countries aren't so lucky.
IntraHealth International works with nations across the globe to provide the training and infrastructure communities need to solve public health issues within their own country. One initiative, IntraHealth OPEN focuses on using open source technologies in impoverished areas because of its accessibility, adaptability, and versatility.
IntraHealth OPEN recently announced the launch of the OPEN Remix project, an intriguing new partnership with artists in the recording industry that it hopes will help put "the latest open source technologies directly in the hands of health workers" in Africa.
Grammy Award-winning musician Youssou N’DourYoussou N’Dour wrote a song called "Wake Up," published it under a Creative Commons license, and invited other artists to donate remixes back to the OPEN Remix project. Free downloads of the songs are available at Rhapsody, Amazon MP3, and through the IntraHealth Web site.
Many well-known musicians have already stepped up to help out, including Duncan Sheik, Peter Buck, Neneh Cherry, and Nas. IntraHealth's governing body also has plenty of names familiar to anyone involved in open source. GNOME Foundation's Stormy Peters, Electronic Frontierist Zak Greant, and Red Hat's Greg Dekoenigsberg are among those who have volunteered their support for the cause.
In a prepared statement, N'Dour says, “I was drawn to this project because open source technology lets us address health challenges collaboratively with African developers in the lead, designing programs to meet the specific needs of our people. “If we invest in open source development training in Africa we will be supporting a new generation of self-suffi cient health professionals able to use technology and customize programs to meet the most urgent needs. Better organized, efficient, affordable and sustainable systems save lives.”
Comments
