Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Whenever the word blockchain is used, the first thing to comes to mind is usually cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Nonetheless, this hasn’t stopped a medical aid project to record the world’s first baby in the blockchain.

The project was initially started by Irish AID:Tech as a method to provide international aid with the use of blockchain technology back in 2015. The blockchain allowed for the delivery of aid and sharing of data to support vulnerable women.

Successful Use of Blockchain

AID:Tech was able to use the blockchain technology successfully back in December 2015, providing food vouchers to Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

The first test of the system occurred shortly after its launch, it was able to detect and invalidate a fraud attempt by wrongfully acquired vouchers.

Pre-Natal Care

In a joint partnership with PharmAccess, AID:Tech was able to identify pregnant women and provide them with the care they needed, in Tanzania.

The project gives each pregnant woman a digital ID that’s on the blockchain, giving them access to medicines they need, as well as tracking their progress. From the day they get registered, to every medical appointment, and finally birth, everything gets recorded on the blockchain.

The first baby to be born and recorded on the blockchain was delivered on July 13th 2018, which was followed by the second and third babies on July 19th 2018.

More Room for Progress

As the project grows, the founders are keeping an eye on any issues that may come up and make improvements as they move forward. The blockchain is still a young technology, and its scalability in the medical field is not been tested substantially. However, with the traceability provided with blockchain technology, an ID holder’s information, including a photograph, can be checked before providing them with aid and protecting against fraud.