There is nothing complicated about improving the plight of people who have nothing. The Borgen Project likes to highlight simple and innovative inventions that are improving living conditions for the world's poor and below is a small sampling of such inventions.
The Hippo
With millions of people walking several miles a day to access clean water, the Hippo Roller helps impoverished people conserve energy and provide water for their families.
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PlayPumps
Children play. Water pumps. A merry-go-round is installed above a well and as children play they pump water into a tank.
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Plumpy'nut
Plumpy'nut is a simple yet ground-breaking substance that in 2-4 weeks transforms a malnourished toddler from near death to healthy. Plumpynut contains 500 calories of peanut butter, milk, vitamins and minerals in a paste form.
HotPot Solar Ovens
Using the power of the sun, Hotpot ovens provide families with an inexpensive way to cook meals.
Bed Nets
Insecticide-treated bed nets have been instrumental in preventing malaria. The life saving nets cost as little as $10.
Links to More Inventions
Eye Glasses for the Poor
Ceramic Water Purifier
One Laptop Per Child
Solar-Powered Irrigation
The Garden Sack
KickStart Irrigation Pump
500 Building Blocks Per Day Manual Press
Lifesaver Water-Purification Bottle
The Uhuru Ambulance
In many remote regions, lack of effective transportation to a hospital or clinic results in death. The Uhuru is a cost effective way for poor, rural communities to transport the sick.
Note: The Borgen Project has no affiliation with the makers of these inventions. We showcase these items to convey the innovation going into poverty-reduction efforts and to provide the public with tangible examples of methods that are working.
