Case Study: Gateway Health achieves faster, life-saving emergency response with what3words

How addresses are saving lives in South Africa’s townships

What3words partnered with local health and community teams to tackle a major access problem in South Africa’s townships, where chaotic layouts, unmarked streets and unnumbered homes make finding people and facilities difficult and dangerous. In places like KwaNdengezi this lack of reliable addresses prevents timely delivery of essentials—medical care, ambulances and social services—especially after dark.

The solution maps homes, clinics and community sites to unique three‑word addresses accessible via a free app and a national database, so residents and responders can communicate exact locations easily. Health workers can find pregnant women for prenatal care, ambulances reach patients faster, and authorities can prioritise resources—improving service delivery, safety and quality of life with potential to scale nationwide.

Gateway Health