YouAsk.pk Website Officially Launched in Pakistan

Grappetite is the technical partner of an International health awareness program ASK (Access, Services, and Knowledge) that is working in eight different countries around the world to increase awareness on sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people between the ages group of 10-24. Grappetite has developed the website for ASK and our team is now working on the design and development of the Android and iPhone apps for the project.

The launch event focused on the e-health and m-health components of ASK - the e-health portion that is the website development was primarily done by us while the m-health component consists of a text messaging service as well as nationwide helplines, representatives of whom were present at the launch. Mr. Zia Ahmed Awan, an advocate by profession working with the Madadgar National Helpline represented the helpline network for ASK while Ms. Hiba Akber from TEXT gave a detailed presentation to the audience on how the ASK messaging service can help the youth of all ages get accurate information confidentially on their cell phones. It was then Grappetite’s turn to shed light on the functionality of the ASK website and Gertjan Van Laar, the founder of the company, did the honors and officially launched the website in front of the media.

A number of health experts, youth activists, people associated with various social causes as well as bloggers came together for the 2-hour event, which was followed by tea, cake, and some scrumptious sandwiches. The long-term goals and future plans of the project were discussed over tea, stressing the need of creating awareness for the campaign and safeguard and educate youngsters on issues like harassment, abuse, and family planning.