Tech Matters

Author: Jim Fruchterman

In a landscape where the tech industry's reputation often precedes it, veteran social entrepreneur and Tech for Good pioneer Jim Fruchterman, along with many extraordinary change-makers, have been rewriting the narrative by using their tech skills to build a better world and drive positive social change. Through in-depth interviews unveiling the workings of some of the most transformative social impact organizations, you'll discover how individuals have harnessed the power of technology to confront the world's most pressing challenges. Prepare for a wealth of insights about how to enter the Tech for Good field, best ideation practices, effective exit strategies, ethical use of data, funding wisdom, and more. Whether you're part of a nonprofit, the tech sphere, government sector, or at the helm of social change, our podcast is your compass to ensure that, when designing software, you're putting people first. -- Hosted by Jim Fruchterman. Production: Gabriele Sha. Sound Engineering: Phil Kadet.
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Language: en

Genres: Business, Non-Profit, Technology

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More Than a Message: Debbie Rogers of Reach Digital Health
Episode 7
Wednesday, 4 February, 2026

In this episode, Jim Fruchterman speaks with Debbie Rogers, CEO of Reach Digital Health. Debbie details the evolution of Reach Digital Health (formerly the Praekelt Foundation), which was founded on the insight that mobile phone penetration in Africa was leapfrogging the rest of the world. This created a unique opportunity to address systemic health challenges like HIV and maternal mortality. One of their first projects reduced "loss to follow-up" at HIV clinics from 30% to just 6% using simple SMS reminders and "please call me" technology. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how to transition from "pilot-itis" to national-scale technology that treats users with dignity and provides them with a voice. Full transcript: https://techmatters.org/messaging-debbie-rogers-reach-digital-health DEBBIE ROGERS [Co-Founder & President] Debbie Rogers's career is anchored in a special blend of technical and creative expertise, beginning with an Honours degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master's in Digital Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Now, Debbie is a globally recognized leader serving as a member of the World Health Organization's Digital Health Technical Advisory Group and as Board Chair for the African Developers Academy. RATE, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE If you like what you hear, leave us a 5 star rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts. STAY IN TOUCH Write us a note at podcast@techmatters.org or follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-matters/