Cost breakdown of MomConnect infrastructure, storage and inventory
| Section | Type of cost | Comments | |
| Once-off | Ongoing | ||
| System development and maintenance | |||
| Mobile phone interface set-up | x | Requires a WASP to send and receive data from the mobile phones to the scheduling platform. Users dial a toll-free number to receive and enter data via USSD, similar to processes like loading airtime. Users register at a facility to receive the full message set | |
| Scheduling database set-up | x | Determines sets of messages to send to each user based on predefined parameters. Requires stable internet connectivity | |
| Scheduling database maintained | x | Capacity to adapt as parameters are changed | |
| Interoperability layer built | x | Built in redundancy to avoid data loss due to any interruption in connectivity or service from source systems | |
| Interoperability layer maintained | x | Routine maintenance assisted by inbuilt alerts | |
| DHIS2 instance set-up | x | Data storage and reporting mechanism set-up | |
| DHIS2 instance maintained | x | Routine maintenance assisted by inbuilt alerts | |
| HelpDesk set-up | x | Migrated to Unicef’s CasePro for greater functionality | |
| HelpDesk maintenance | x | Costs associated with ongoing maintenance of HelpDesk, mainly HR costs | |
| Implementation | |||
| USSD registrations of users | x | A reverse-billed system means it is free to the end user. USSD engagement costs are subsidised by all four mobile network operators in South Africa. However, exact costs cannot be preset without potentially limiting the number of users who can be registered on the service | |
| SMS (text messages) sent to user | x | A reverse-billed system means it is free to the end user. SMS engagement costs are subsidised by all four mobile network operators in South Africa. However, exact costs cannot be preset without potentially limiting the number of users who can be sent messages | |
| Service awareness campaign | x | Periodic campaigns required for user awareness of service options | |
| Training of healthcare workers on service | x | x | Ensure healthcare workers are aware of the service and can register users |
| HelpDesk staffing | x | Provide appropriate staff to respond to HelpDesk complaints, compliments and requests | |
DHIS2, District Health Information System, version 2; SMS, short message service; USSD, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data; WASP, Wireless Application Service Provider or Aggregator.