Mazbahul Islam's Safewheel Project Wins UNDP Award for Rural Healthcare Innovation

Mazbahul Islam, a Global Graduate from Design Indaba, created Safewheel to address healthcare accessibility in rural areas of Bangladesh. This lightweight, three-wheeled vehicle is designed to traverse narrow paths, providing emergency medical services in regions where ambulances are either lacking or too costly. In 2019, Islam's initiative earned the UNDP Youth Co:Lab Award, with backing from the United Nations Development Programme and Citi Foundation. Initially pursuing a business degree with aspirations for wealth, a personal health crisis shifted his focus toward affordable healthcare in rural settings. During his presentation at Design Indaba, he spoke about the challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly as the only son in a middle-class family. Safewheel not only transports patients to hospitals but also delivers essential medical supplies to isolated communities, illustrating that individuals can redefine their challenges and make identity choices at any point in their lives.