Aspects of Mobile Health in Africa

Document Type

Capstone

Lead Author Type

MBI Masters Student

Advisors

Dr. Guenter Tusch, tuschg@gvsu.edu

Embargo Period

12-19-2013

Abstract

In a time when technology is reaching its apex in developed countries, some areas of the world are still living in the 18th-19th century technology era when it comes to collecting data related to their well-being i.e. healthcare, telemedicine, emergency mobility, accurate statistics on traffic accidents and vital prenatal care. With such lack of infrastructure on cloud computing and efficient data towers, gaining proper access to more sustainable tools is a far fetch dream for developing countries.

The majority of the African countries operate GSM under a 2G network, all under very minimal bandwidth (900MHZ-1800MHZ) in urban areas while other Nations are reaching 3 to 4 G standards. This is a major setback and makes it very difficult for advancement in the healthcare sector consequently there is regression with population growth and generations are decimated by benign sicknesses.

We have to believe that with the ease of communication nowadays there has to be a more favorable alternative to connect poor countries with cheap and efficient healthcare technology at a reasonable time.

Can we really celebrate the healthcare revolution and progress if not everybody is benefiting from it?

This research uncovers the death of millions of African citizens dying due to unavailability of first-aid care, lack of data collection and outdated mobile technology. The absence of communication between health departments, obsolete cell towers, cultural differences and deficiency of a full up to date database systems are just few of the many issues encountered.

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