Phones-for-Health

This initiative draws on partnership as a strategy for bringing information and communication technologies (ICTs) to bear on global health challenges. The alliance draws together network operators, handset makers, and technology companies with health groups and government offices to take advantage of what organisers describe as the "explosive spread of mobile phone networks across the developing world." The hope is that, together, these groups can develop and distribute an integrated set of standard information solutions that support local capacity building for the scale-up of infectious disease programmes in a cost-effective manner.

In short, the cell phone is envisioned here as serving a 2-part purpose in this collaborative effort:

1. Making timely, relevant health information rapidly available to programme managers and service providers - even those serving patients in remote or rural areas that may not have electricity. The system is envisioned as contributing to the creation of a "culture of information seeking" and greater capacity for data-driven decision making; and
2. Fostering effective, two-way communication at the regional, national, and (especially) local levels, creating both a referral network and an education channel that can be used to spur dialogue about, and effective response to, health care issues.

Specifically, the programme provides health workers in the field with a Motorola-made phone that is equipped with an application that lets them enter health data on patients. That information is then sent by way of general packet radio services (GPRS) to a central database. (If a GPRS network is not available, it can be sent via short message service (SMS), or text.) The data is analysed and mapped by the system and then made available to health officials through a real-time internet database. The system supports SMS alerting and notification, as well as tools for communication and coordination with field staff. Health workers will also be able to use the system to order medicine, download treatment guidelines and training materials, and access other appropriate information.

HIV/AIDS, Health.

According to organisers, fixed-line telephone and internet connections are rare across much of Africa. But more than 60% of Africans now live in areas with mobile phone coverage, and that figure is expected to rise to 85% by 2010, according to the GSM Association, the alliance representing the world's wireless industry.