3-2-1 Service

  • A search engine where there is no Internet

    Visit our Global Portal for the 3-2-1 Service: 321online.org >>

  • The Challenge:
    Trusted Information When it’s Needed

    The lack of timely, actionable information negatively impacts health and other development outcomes.

    Mass-media public-service campaigns have limited effect. They reach large numbers of people and even increase knowledge, but their impact on changing behaviors is insufficient. Many underserved people don’t have televisions or radios, so mass-media campaigns miss these groups entirely.

    Where can an individual turn to in the key moment of life when the information is needed?

  • The 3-2-1 Solution

    HNI created the 3-2-1 Service — an innovative mobile phone information service to prepare resource-poor individuals in take action to improve their health and well-being.

    At a moment of need, men, women, boys, and girls can use their simple mobile phones to proactively retrieve information across a range of topics. No Internet required.

  • How Does 3-2-1 Work?

    Callers dial the toll-free number, 3-2-1, anytime, anywhere. They are greeted by a welcome message in their local language.

    The voice prompts them through the menu of topics until they find the trusted information they need, when they need it.

  • Topics

    The messages and content within the sub-topics will vary among the countries because they are based on locally-determined needs, curated and approved by national, international and Government experts.

    Users of the Service also contribute to the messages, which are updated periodically updated periodically in response to user feedback.

    Health

    Current and upcoming countries with 3-2-1 Health messages: Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia

    Includes messages on these sub-topics:
    • Nutrition
    • Treatment-Children
    • Prevention-Children
    • Adolescent Health
    • Treatment-Adults
    • Prevention Adults
    • Women’s Health
    • Prevention Adults

    Gender

    Current and upcoming countries with 3-2-1 Gender messages: Madagascar and Malawi

    Includes messages on these sub-topics:
    • Dynamic Information — Regularly updated news
    • Violence
    • Education
    • Economic Opportunity
    • Informed Political Participation

    Agriculture

    Current and upcoming countries with 3-2-1 Agriculture messages: Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia

    Includes messages on these sub-topics:
    • Rice
    • Cassava
    • Yam
    • Sweet Potato
    • Potato
    • Banana
    • Taro

    Microfinance

    Current and upcoming countries with 3-2-1 Microfinance messages: Madagascar

    Includes messages on these sub-topics:
    • What Is a MFI?
    • Why Borrow from a MFI?
    • Requirements to Borrow from a MFI
    • Difference Loan Terms
    • Savings Accounts at MFIs
    • MFIs Near You

    Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

    Current and upcoming countries with 3-2-1 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene messages: Madagascar and Nigeria

    Includes messages on these sub-topics:
    • Groundwater and Environment
    • Clean Drinking Water
    • Water and Health
    • Sanitation
    • Hygiene
    • Information about the Ministry of Water

    Land Tenure

    Current and upcoming countries with 3-2-1 Land Tenure messages: Madagascar

    Includes messages on these sub-topics:
    • Request Certificates of Ownership/maps
    • Trader Ownership
    • Request Federal Land and Certificates
    • Boundary Marking
    • Transfers
    • Cancellation of Charges

    Family Planning

    Current and upcoming countries with 3-2-1 Family Planning messages: Cambodia, Madagascar and Nigeria

    Includes messages on these sub-topics:
    • Definitions and Importance
    • Benefits
    • Advice
    • Methods
    • Clinics Near You

    Weather Emergency Preparedness and First Aid

    Current and upcoming countries with 3-2-1 Weather Emergency Preparedness and First Aid messages: Madagascar and Mozambique

    Includes messages on these sub-topics:
    • Emergency Weather Information
    • Weather Emergency Alert Levels
    • Injury Emergency
    • Skin Burn Emergency
    • Hemorrhage Emergency
    • General Information about Emergency Preparedness

  • Results

    Results from Madagascar – February 2015

    In 2010, HNI partnered with Airtel, the Government of Madagascar, and key development organizations to launch the 3-2-1 Service. The Service has grown tremendously in the years since it was lauched:

    DescriptionTotal
    Number of unique users across IVR, USSD, and SMS channels+3,500,000
    Total inquiries to the Service by users across channels+50 million
    Total Calls+7,800,000
    Total Minutes contributed by Airtel+20,000,000
    Average number of unique users per month 210,000
    Average number of inquiries to the Service per month800,000

    Results from Malawi

    HNI has also partnered with Airtel, the Government of Malawi, and key development organizations to launch the 3-2-1 Service in Malawai. The adoption and growth of the 3-2-1 Service in Malawi has impressively surpassed the uptake observed in Madagascar.

  • Partnerships

    Partnership is key to success for the 3-2-1 Service. HNI has four types of partners to ensure the success and sustainability of the 3-2-1 Service:

    • Content partners
      National and international experts among various development sectors (e.g., health, nutrition) who determine the key messages to be launched on the 3-2-1 Service

    • Government partners
      Relevant Ministry staff provide technical input and validation of the key messages to be put on the 3-2-1 Service

    • Communication partners
      Mobile Network Operators in each country agree to provide the 3-2-1 Service to their subscribers free of charge

    • Resource partners
      Funders such as Grand Challenge Canada, NGOs, and private companies recognize the potential of the 3-2-1 Service fund HNI to facilitate the content development for the 3-2-1 Service.