by Ingrid Madden, Research Associate, mHealth Alliance
During last month's Mobile Health Summit in Cape Town, Medic Mobile launched a landmark application for health data collection. Unlike most new tools and trends, the application is revolutionary because of its simplicity. Using basic SIM technology, Kuvela (which means "to listen" in Chichewa) enables menu-driven applications to run directly from a SIM card.
CEO Josh Nesbit explains their approach: "People get excited about the iPhone apps because of profit potential. We're excited about designing SIM applications because of the impact potential." Since the use of SIM cards is mandatory in all GSM devices, Kuvela can operate on nearly all mobile phones - from the least expensive to the most advanced. In addition, the SIM-based app can even be used while outside the range of cell service. In regions with limited connectivity, users can still access menus, enter data, and store information. Three different devices that all run the same SIM app.
On June 27, Soma Ghoshal, Innovation Commons Associate at the mHealth Alliance, spoke on the "Using Technology in Delivering Health Care Services in Rural Communities" panel at the HRSA Grantees meeting in Bethesda, MD. The session presented research on the effectiveness and efficiency of using mobile technology in delivering health care services to rural communities.
Jody Ranck, Director of Thought Leadership, Policy and Advocacy at the mHealth Alliance, was a featured speaker at the FierceWireless Embedded Wireless Devices Interactive Executive Summit on June 28. His session, 'Delivering on the mHealth Promise,' examined the leaders in the mHealth arena and looked at the various business models.
On June 22, the United Nations Foundation announced today the launch of a new report, Mobilizing Development, that examines a partnership with The Vodafone Foundation. The report identifies shifts in public-private partnerships and trends that will help improve humanitarian response, global health and development work.
Young Africa Live (YAL) was created to fill a void in South Africa of a community uniting teens and young adults living with HIV/AIDS.
With Vodacom as one of the largest mobile phone providers in the country, and with mobile phone users making up 80% of the population, it only made sense to build this community to be accessed on a mobile.
Hosted on Vodafone Live, South Africa's largest digital portal with over 3 million unique visitors per month, the portal is free to access from any Vodacom phone.
The Praekelt Foundation states it has three objectives for YAL: to share information and educate, generate discussion, and promote HIV testing among members.
The portal has become more than just a space, it has grown into its own social circle, a network where self-named "YAL-ers" encourage fellow members to stay strong and be safe, give each other advice on all aspects of life, and gossip about the latest celebrity couple.
YAL works on any Vodacom phone, too – no need for expensive smartphones to become a part of the community.
For more information on Praekelt Foundation and Young Africa Live, visit their website.
@mHealthSummit: #mHealth Summit Call for Abstracts! Submit your RESEARCH abstract for the 2011 mHealth Summit. Deadline July 8. http://ow.ly/5s7KT #mhs11
