According to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) data, in 2007, there were more than 45 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in Africa, while at the same time, there were 16 fixed telephone lines per 100 inhabitants1. The mobile phone provides a significant opportunity to reach people who until now have not had access to technology solutions. A recent IDC study2 discovered that even when wireless technology is available, healthcare professionals preferentially use mobile phones on the job.
Cellscope, a camera phone microscope
In order to demonstrate the potential of mobile phones to enable the delivery of healthcare-related services on the African continent, Microsoft Research is now accepting proposals for cash grants to help Africa-based researchers conduct one-year studies on the potential of mobile technologies in the delivery of healthcare-related services on the African continent. Proposals, written in English, will be accepted only through the online application tool.
A maximum of five awards will be granted, of up to US$25,000 each, including airfare and travel costs for attendance at the final reporting event. The application deadline is 18 November 2009, 17:00 (UTC). The results will be released in February 2010. Prospective applicants are encouraged to read the full award details before submitting their applications.
This is a great opportunity for Africa-based researchers who specialize in mobile technologies. You still have more than two weeks before the deadline; you can work out something. Give it a try!
This call for proposals reminds me of Josh Nesbit’s highly successful system that uses mobile technology in the delivery of health care in low resource settings.
_______________
1International Telecommunication Union
2Silvia Piai, Massimiliano Claps, Western Europe, Healthcare Sector, Infrastructure Technology Adoption and Investment Plans: An IDC Survey, IDC Study #MS13N, Nov 2006.
Related posts:
6 users commented in " Mobile Healthcare for Africa:Microsoft’s Request for Proposals 2009 "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackThat phone looks crazy. Amazing technology!
[Reply]
I agree with Johnny, that phone is ridiculous! But that’s totally awesome that technology is evolving that much.
Deb´s last blog ..Ever Wondered "Does My Credit Affect My Health Care?"
[Reply]
I hope that this initiative is successful and a lot of good comes out of this. Leap frogging old technologies by going wireless is a very sound idea to access modern technology in all fields.
Nicole Price´s last blog ..Computer Accessory Gift Ideas
[Reply]
I think it’s great that companies invest in technology that would be helping those needing it most. I wonder if they’re looking into prospective benefits in the market of the developed world.
Anne at B6S.net´s last blog ..How to Find Dofollow Blogs
[Reply]
Nice use of the technology. Great effort by Microsoft yet its considered Evil.
[Reply]
That statistic of 45 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Africa seems extremely high don’t you think?
For a country plagued by various problems, the use of current technologies to overcome distance and resource problems has great potential, especially for medical and health profesisonals. But Africa is HUGE and remote, this would not be any easy undertaking and I would have thought good coverage would be a huge issue and expensive to remedy. But I do hope initiatives like this continue to be supported.
[Reply]
I would really appreciate if you could use your name when commenting.Using just keywords makes your comment seem spammy, and it's liable to get deleted.Please read my comment policy for more details.Many thanks for your cooperation!
Got an opinion? Leave a civil reply.