Developing countries are gaining more access to high tech that is improving healthcare and education. When a country gains high quality healthcare and education the economy and standard of living for individuals improves. Advancements from international and local businesses are connecting the people in these countries to other countries and resources. Here’s how technology is helping improve the education and healthcare available to these people.
Connecting Healthcare: A big problem for healthcare in developing countries is the lack of availability and infrastructure in the healthcare system. The solution for this problem is “mHealth” which is the use of mobile devices to track and disseminate information. When healthcare professionals use mobile devices to track patient data, there is an increase in quality of individual care. Also, SMS is being used to send messages to a mass amounts of people in an area to warn them about epidemics and other health concerns.
Bringing in Modern Education Tools: There are nonprofit organizations throughout the world that work to modernize and outfit technology in rural schools. Some programs provide classrooms with satellite dishes and high tech blackboards. Once the infrastructure is created that brings internet access to developing areas, it is possible for the students here to access software and apps that aid their learning experience. One app, called dig-it, utilizes mobile technology to provide students with a game-like math challenge program. Students answer questions and compete against classmates to combine learning and healthy competition.
Health App Innovation: More and more apps that help address issues in healthcare are being developed. One app called Matibabu, has created a way to easily diagnose malaria in a non-invasive way. Another app, called Hello Doctor, has resources for health tips and a forum to ask questions. It also has a feature that allows users to either call or text a doctor directly, in multiple languages, for medical advice. The ỌMỌMI mobile app provides mothers with health advice for themselves as well as for their children. There are forums and a feature that allows users to track their child’s health including their immunization.