Signals

Peru – VML, in collaboration with Sapolio, has introduced the Guardian Toad, a solar-powered device designed to combat the dengue epidemic in Peru. The innovation disrupts mosquito breeding by keeping stagnant water in constant motion, making it inhospitable for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

Peru is experiencing its worst dengue crisis, with 80% of the population in the most affected areas lacking access to clean water, according to VML. The Guardian Toad, inspired by Sapolio’s mascot, autonomously agitates water using solar power, eliminating the need for batteries or electricity with the aim to provide a 92% protection rate against mosquito proliferation.

The device exemplifies climate-responsive design, addressing a critical public health issue with sustainable technology. This approach is particularly crucial in regions lacking infrastructure for traditional solutions. By using solar power, the device ensures continuous operation and reduces dependence on external resources. It not only protects against disease but also aligns with broader sustainability goals, showcasing a practical application of environmentally conscious design in crisis situations.

UK – A May 2024 study conducted by Trades Union Congress (TUC) has highlighted a concerning trend of health-related work inactivity among British women, with 1.5m now out of work due to long-term sickness. This shocking figure represents a 48% increase in instances of long-term sickness among women between 2019 and 2024, primarily driven by conditions such as back and neck pain.

The TUC attributes this rise partly to longer waiting lists in the National Health Service (NHS), which has been facing understaffing and underfunding. The strain on the NHS has coincided with a doubling in hospital waiting times for treatment, with a 15% increase in those waiting for musculoskeletal care.

In a statement, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said the country must improve the quality of work so that women ‘are not disproportionately trapped in low-paid, insecure jobs’. He added: ‘But instead, the government is failing growing numbers of women who are unable to work because they can’t access the right treatment or support.’

In our Work States Futures macrotrend report, we previously discussed how businesses must redesign their workplaces due to employees’ increasing need for personalisation and flexibility.