When we think of digital health, we generally think of new gadgets, smart apps and breakthrough innovations. But perhaps using readily available technology is the most efficient approach.
In Ghana, where 90 percent of the population has a mobile phone, and where poor transport networks and limited access to health care means high mortality rates for easily treatable diseases, telemedicine projects are being developed to deliver impact at scale. Through this system, community health workers can be given advice via mobile phone teleconsultations with senior nurses and doctors at a central hospital.
With another 1 billion people expected to have a mobile phone access by 2020, could telemedicine be a game changer for health delivery?
Devex traveled to Ghana to visit some rural areas where telemedicine projects are being implemented, and discovered how it is being brought to scale across the country. In this video we talk with Dr. Alexis Nang-Beifubah, Ashanti regional director of health services, and Christina Wadhwani, project management lead at the Novartis Foundation, about making partnerships work — and the importance of both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Wired for Impact is an online conversation with Novartis Foundation and Devex to explore how to integrate digital health into global development in a way that is scalable and sustainable, and improves the overall quality of health care delivery to build essential connections between patients, health facilities, health providers and policymakers. Tag #Wired4Impact and @Devex to join the conversation.
About the authors
Naomi Mihara
Naomi Mihara is an Associate Editor for Devex, working on creative and audiovisual projects. She has a background in journalism and international development, having previously served as an assistant correspondent for Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun and as a communications officer for the International Organization for Migration in Southeast Asia. She holds a master’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University.
Helen Morgan
Helen Morgan is a journalist and editor, primarily focusing on climate change, migration, humanitarian crises, and human rights. She was previously an Associate Editor at Devex, where she managed the op-eds section and led a project covering climate resilience in small island developing states. Helen was also features editor at World Politics Review, and editor and writer at the environmental think tank WRI, as well as editing for The New Humanitarian. She lives and works in Barcelona, Spain.
Richard Jones@richard_devex
In his role as Editorial Director Richard oversees content for digital series, reports and events, leading a talented team of writers and editors, conducting high-level video interviews and moderating panels at events. Previously partnerships editor and an associate editor at Devex, Richard brings to bear 15 years of experience as an editor in institutional communications, public affairs and international development. Based in Barcelona, his development experience includes stints in the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Ecuador, as well as extensive work travel in Africa and Asia.