Tech for Humanity: IEC Telecom Unveils Tracking Solutions to Protect Aid Workers

In a world where humanitarian needs are surging, the safety of those who deliver aid has never been more urgent. At this year’s AIDEX global disaster relief event, IEC Telecom unveiled a new portfolio of satellite‑powered tracking solutions designed to protect aid workers on the frontlines of crisis.

The launch comes against a sobering backdrop. According to the Aid Worker Security Report 2025, nearly 230 aid workers lost their lives in the first half of this year alone — already surpassing the annual totals recorded in any year between 1997 and 2022. From conflict zones to climate‑stricken regions, the risks of delivering life‑saving assistance are escalating.

The Rising Cost of Humanitarian Work

Global reliance on humanitarian aid has grown dramatically. In 2024, nearly 300 million people were projected to require assistance, driven by conflicts, climate shocks, and pandemics. Yet the very people tasked with delivering that aid are increasingly vulnerable.

Reliable communication and digital connectivity are now central to their safety. When networks fail, coordination falters — and lives are put at risk. That’s where IEC Telecom’s new solutions come in.

A Satcom‑Powered Lifeline

IEC Telecom’s latest portfolio is built around the Garmin GPSMAP® H1i Plus, a rugged handheld GPS device equipped with an integrated Iridium® receiver. This means aid workers can stay connected even in the most remote corners of the globe, far beyond the reach of cellular networks.

But the hardware is only part of the story. The devices are integrated into Traksat, IEC Telecom’s digital management platform, which allows organisations to:

• Maintain real‑time visibility over dispersed teams
• Share critical updates across multiple user groups
• Trigger SOS alerts and mobilise rapid response measures
• Establish geofencing to keep personnel within safe zones
• Deploy mission checklists and advanced reporting for accountability

The system is designed for scalability, enabling headquarters to adjust licences, activate or deactivate users, and manage costs without long‑term commitments.

“Safety Is Mission Success”

“IEC Telecom has been serving the humanitarian sector for over thirty years, giving us first‑hand insight into the harsh working conditions and specific requirements of aid organisations,” said Gwenael Loheac, President Europe & West Africa at IEC Telecom Group. “Coordinated action is essential not only for mission success but also for ensuring the safety of staff operating across the globe.”

By combining Garmin’s hardware with IEC Telecom’s Traksat platform, the company aims to deliver a purpose‑built solution for humanitarian organisations that balances reliability, flexibility, and cost‑effectiveness.

Localisation and the Future of Aid

The launch also coincides with a major shift in the humanitarian sector: localisation. With funding cuts forcing international NGOs to scale back deployments, more responsibility is falling on local NGOs and community‑based organisations.

In this context, the ability to monitor and support dispersed teams in real time is not just a matter of efficiency — it’s a matter of survival. Transparent communication tools ensure that local staff, often operating in the most dangerous environments, are not left without support.

Bridging the Gap

For Africa, where many humanitarian operations unfold in remote or underserved areas, the implications are profound. Satcom‑powered solutions like those unveiled by IEC Telecom could help bridge the digital divide, ensuring that aid workers — whether international or local — remain connected, visible, and protected.

As humanitarian needs continue to rise, the sector faces a stark choice: adapt with technology, or risk leaving frontline workers exposed. IEC Telecom’s latest innovations suggest that the tools for safer, smarter missions are already here.

The Bigger Picture

The unveiling at AIDEX is more than a product launch. It’s a statement about the future of humanitarian work: one where connectivity is as essential as food, water, and medicine.

For aid workers, every second counts. With advanced tracking, real‑time alerts, and secure communication, IEC Telecom’s solutions could mean the difference between life and death.