A $10 million program will allow health care workers to combat HIV/AIDS by enabling them to enter health information into a handset and them transmit it wirelessly to a central database [via The Washington Post, free subscription required]. Information will include the number of patients currently under treatment, drug stock levels, and other data needed to manage the complex enterprise of national HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. The system will also support SMS alerts and other tools to communicate with field staff.
"The explosive spread of mobile phone networks across the developing world has created a unique opportunity to significantly transform how countries can tackle global health challenges," World Health Organization Assistant Director-General Howard Zucker said.
From the press release:
"Rapid and accurate communications channels are crucial to tackling the many health problems faced by African countries and other parts of the developing world," said Rob Conway, Chief Executive of the GSM Association. "The roll out of this health management software in Africa will clearly demonstrate how governments can exploit the expanding mobile infrastructure to enhance the well-being of their citizens."
Thanx June!
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