Two female graduates have developed a technology to ward-off mosquitoes and prevent them from biting humans to ultimately reduce malaria.

The device made of IoT technology, repels and collects data on mosquitoes within two metres radius in prone areas.

It is one of the local inventions to bridge the digital gender divide for future jobs, focused on developing competence, innovations and entrepreneurship in Africa.

The inventors say they were motivated by the little or no impact the numerous mosquito repellents on the market have made.

One of them is Mavis Kusi. She says the kit when produced at reduced cost, could be the first step towards eradicating malaria in the country.

"With this technology, people can carry out their activities outdoors without fear of mosquitoes,” she said.

Malaria is a major cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana.

About 11million suspected cases of malaria were recorded at various Outpatient Departments (OPDs) in 2018, up from about 10million the previous tear.

In 2018, 428 malaria deaths were recorded, indicating a 29 per cent reduction in malaria deaths compared to 2017 when 599 deaths were recorded.

Another innovation, Patient Nurse Automatic Alert System, which enhances communication between nurses and patients at the hospital, is designed to be worn by users.

It has microchips and sensors facilitated by the lora technology for easy communication by users.

Computer Science graduates, Philipa Osei-Asibey and Afua Asantewaa, make up LoopGen team.

They are looking at finding effective monitoring technology for blood pressure and heart rate.

The device, which is still in the prototype stage, can prompt hypertension patients to take their medication as well.

Patient Nurse Automatic Alert System can also share information on the patient’s health with their doctors.

Co-inventor, Sharon Aforo Acheampong, observes many patients often forget to take their medication on time, prolonging their healing process.

With technology, the patient will input the time for the drugs.

An automatic alarm is then activated to remind the patient to take the medications.

Nuel’s Techland, another innovation checks, records and stores patient’s vitals, making it easier for health officers to access them.

Ramatu Suleiman and Lydia Kombat are inventors of the Mon-Tech device, worn as a wristwatch to help monitor the vitals of patients.

The inventors are among 90 young women trained by the Kumasi Hive’s Bridge the Gap Training Program, with funding support from German-based GIZ.

It is expected to increase female involvement in the science and technology space.

Other sponsors include Program for Sustainable Economic Development (PSED), Innovation Factory and Eskills4Girls.