The World Health Organisation (WHO) has turned to MXit and Jamiix to help save lives in Indonesia.

Indonesians using MXit chat will have access to information like what to do in disasters like floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and cyclones, as well as how to prepare for evacuation. The service will also give info on safe hospitals and ways to support the WHO.

Indonesia experienced three consecutive earthquakes the day after the service was announced.

Dr Roderico Ofrin, regional adviser for WHO’s emergency and humanitarian action said, “Through this campaign we will continue to explore innovative means of bringing critical information in times of emergencies.”

Herman Heunis, CEO and founder of MXit says: “The WHO campaign illustrates the value and power of social networking in assisting communities, especially those in disaster prone areas. As climate change and severe weather variations take a hold of many locations around the world, it makes sense to develop ways for communities and countries to receive life-saving information and assistance in a reliable and affordable way.”

“Being able to access life saving information at your fingertips is an empowering initiative by WHO and we are excited to be part of this campaign, which displays the power of social media,” says Marlon Parker, CEO of JamiiX and founder of RLabs.