Health information systems for community based health workers: a case for mobile and wireless technologies

This paper supports the case for the use of mobile/wireless technologies to support community based health workers (CBHWs) in Africa. Many international efforts are focussed on improving healthcare in Africa in a cost-effective way, and the potential benefit for Africa in both the relief of suffering and economic saving is huge. The wide availability of wireless/ mobile technologies on the continent makes it possible for the development of mobile health information systems to support CBHWs. These workers can provide essential primary health services within the community. If any technology is to be of use it should be able to be suitably integrated into the workflow and social environment of the users. The use of mobile technology by CBHWs may be particularly effective in the context of providing information and knowledge support to CBHWs for patient care especially in the face of HIV/AIDS epidemics in Africa.