Baobab uses Opera in the Fight Against HIV in Malawi

Browser is key element of Linux-based treatment system

Oslo, Norway and Lilongwe, Malawi - March 22, 2007

Opera and Baobab Health Partnership today joined forces to provide innovative technology solutions to help combat HIV in developing countries. Baobab, using the Opera browser, has produced a healthcare system that allows health workers to administer high quality HIV treatment programs according to World Health Organization guidelines. The system is currently deployed in Malawi, a country in the midst of an HIV crisis.

"There are 40 million people living with HIV on our planet, we need solutions, and we need them fast if we are going to have an impact on this crisis," said Gerry Douglas, Founder, Baobab Health Partnership. "Using Opera means we can rely on international standards like HTML and JavaScript without requiring expensive hardware. By building our system for the browser it can be easily scaled up across an entire country, and perhaps an entire continent."

The Baobab solution is a slimmed-down touchscreen computer running Linux and Opera. Baobab uses Opera because it conserves limited system resources while being able to run a user interface so simple that people who have never operated a computer before can use it to provide quality health care treatment.

"The reason many of us find working in technology so worthwhile is seeing projects like this become reality," said Håkon Wium Lie, CTO, Opera. "We're excited that Baobab chose Opera to make a difference in the ongoing fight against HIV in Africa. This is a first step towards using Opera to power the projects that promote progress in the developing world."

About Baobab

Since 2001, Baobab has been building and deploying health care technology that improves patient care in Malawi. With a small team of mostly Malawian staff Baobab has innovated a reliable and low cost approach approach that matches the needs of it users. Baobab is currently aiming to expand their HIV treatment system to rural health centers throughout the country. We could use your help - visit www.baobabhealth.org for more information.

About Opera Software ASA

Opera Software ASA has redefined Web browsing for PCs, mobile phones and other networked devices. Opera's cross-platform Web browser technology is renowned for its performance, standards compliance and small size, while giving users a faster, safer and more dynamic online experience. Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices around the world. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at http://www.opera.com/.

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