We spotted this article on AllAfrica.com about Kenyan efforts to improve the health of HIV patients by utilising their mobile phones to measure the effectiveness of the Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) amonst sufferers. We feel this is really positive, especially considering the fact that mobile phone use is so widespread, and provide a direct realtime link from the patient and the clinic.
Have a read of the article and let us know what you think…
Ongoing Study To Improve Health Of HIV Patients Through Mobile Use
AllAfrica.com
29 January 2010
Nairobi — A new study on mobile use to improve the health of people on Anti retroviral drugs is ongoing in Kenya.
An initiative called Weltel is carrying out research to harness mobile telephone use to improve health systems management and patient care in resource-limited settings.
Weltel was conceived by clinicians and scientists involved in HIV and AIDS care in Kenya who noticed the impact mobile communications has had on the daily lives of people in the region.
The researchers believe that mobile phone communications can strengthen health management and thus help save lives.
Currently, they are conducting clinical trials to measure the effectiveness text mobile messages in improving patient adherence and response to Highly-Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in two sites-Nairobi and Kajiado district in the Rift Valley province.
The research, which has been going on for the past year will ease the burden of overstretched health systems and provide rapid access to healthcare as well as provide long life for PLHIV, according to the researchers.
The initiative, sponsored by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – PEPFAR Public Health Evaluation (PHE) and the International Development Research Centre’s Africa Health Systems Initiative Support to African Research Partnerships (AHSI-RES), will spread out its wings to the Sub -Saharan Africa once the study is complete.
The initiator and principal investigator is from Canada, Dr. Richard Lester.
What did you think?
What are the other ways in which new technology could be utilised to treat other aspects of HIV – such as prevention, or even testing… Is texting for free condoms or getting a text letting you know your status, or reminding you to get tested realistically a good idea?
If you are from Kenya have you experiencesd any of the communication that is being talked about in this article?
drop us a comment anmd let us know…
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