Competing in a challenge run by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, I led a small team to design a way for insects to help solve a health problem. Pit latrines are the most popular “bathroom” in the majority nations. The problem is that many cannot afford to have them emptied. When monsoons come, the latrines overflow. The result is massive health problems. Using 3D designs skills and in-depth knowledge about an insect Hermetia illucens gained in the Urban Feed Co chapter, I figured we had a shot at solving the problem. One of the requirements, was that the innovation be fabricated with local materials. This is where the local craftsman played a big part. In short, by allying with these insects, the latrines take longer to fill. This means less disease, saving millions in healthcare. We tied for third place. The winning design was not produced with local materials.
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