Mobile technologies deployed to improve health
Mobile technologies are becoming increasingly deployed in a variety of ways to improve health. Lately, there have been several interesting stories about utilising mobile devices to collect data and with the arrival of the first solar-charged mobile phone in Kenya it is hopefully only a matter of time before mobile devices can be used to collect valuable data and transmit it accurately and quickly for analysis in areas of the world where it is traditionally difficult to take advantage of such technology.
Many African countries struggle under poor communication infrastructures, but the advent of mobile networks has reduced the impact and effects of being ‘off the grid'. Several African countries already have some the highest penetrations of mobile devices in the world; about one in three people in the Botswana have a mobile phone.
Taking steps forward, however small or tentative, is vital to harness the potential benefits of mobile communication technologies. Access to information sources will be vital for African countries to realize their development goals in the areas of healthcare, education and social development.
We are always looking for projects to expand our increasing awareness and expertise in mobile technology and we are keen to hear from anyone who is interested in working with us to develop a mobile application to either collect data or to improve the access that people have to health care information.
