Tanzania using mobile for childhood treatment

In Tanzania, a mobile protocol called e-IMCI guides health workers through the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) treatment algorithm, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.  Its intent is to reduce childhood mortality and promote the growth and development of children under the age of 5, and it works on smartphones, PDAs and even basic phones (using SMS).  The surprise for this editor was learning that nearly one-half of Tanzanians–15 million people–own a mobile phone, and there are six mobile companies.  It’s expected to enable this program, proven to increase child survival, to be implemented even in the most remote areas.  FierceMobileHealthcare article.  Commentary on Smart Product Ecosystem Connections.