Cell-Life is a pioneering initiative that provides effective technology-based solutions for the management of HIV/Aids. Our primary function is to address logistical challenges in developing countries, such as the provision and distribution of Anti-retroviral treatments, continuous patient monitoring and communication of relevant data. This is achieved through the use of innovative software supported by existing technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet.

We are a sustainable, not-for-profit company with experience and understanding of the unique challenges facing the implementation of e-health systems working in the public sector in Africa. Our practical insights and research enable us to develop context-specific, cost-effective solutions.

Cell-Life solutions have great potential for broader application. The systems support monitoring and intervention programs necessary for large-scale management of other infectious or chronic diseases, and even other arenas in healthcare.

At Cell- Life our mission is to become the backbone of managing HIV/Aids in Africa, by providing an affordable solution that offers support for communication, information and logistics. It is also designed to sustain, empower and uplift people infected with and affected by HIV/Aids, as well as the other infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. By offering our skills and expertise, we furthermore pledge our commitment to combat this disease, which is threatening the livelihood of our continent and people.

Cell-Life is a not-for-profit company (a Section 21 Company in South African law) Reg No. 2004/000709/08.

History

Cell-life started as a research project at the University of Cape Town in 2001. The founding directors were Ulrike Rivett, Jon Tapson and Jevon Davies. Cell-Life developed in partnership with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where it is now based. Cell-Life became a separate company in 2005. Initially the main product of Cell-Life was 'Aftercare', a cellphone system linking nurses and home-based carers treating HIV+ patients in Gugulethu and elsewhere. In response to a request from the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation to assist the management of ARV dispensing, the Intelligent Dispensing of ARVs (iDART) system was developed which in 2009 is in over 20 clinics dispensing drugs to more than 45,000 patients. Cell-Life has continued to work with cell-phone data capture, in 2007 being a founder member of the 'Open ROSA' consortium for mobile data capture. In 2007 we launched the Cellphone for HIV project, exploring the range of applications for information, communication and interactive services to support the HIV sector.

Awards

• Technology Top 100 Awards winner 2005
• Technology Top 100 Awards winner 2006
• Impumelelo Innovations Awards Trust 2007
• Technology Top 100 Established Enterprises Qualifier 2007
• SANGONeT Web award for the best use of mobile technology 2009