Greetings BEST Society,

	There are three major aspects of healthcare: prevention, diagnosis, 
and treatment… mobile devices can now perform the first two.

	As Ebola has grown stronger than ever, it has become imperative to 
fight this disease however possible.  Many developing countries, such as 
Sierra Leone and Senegal, have widespread cellphone use.  The World 
Health Organization is stimulating innovation with existing 
infrastructure by sponsoring programs that utilize cell phones to 
collect and share information regarding Ebola.  Locals can report new 
cases on their mobile devices, helping agencies respond.  Such 
information can then be shared to the public.  One platform that helps 
under-served Africans manage diabetes via SMS/text messaging has been 
fitted to also send information about preventing the spread of Ebola.

	Elsewhere, anyone with a tablet can soon help identify one of the 
leading causes of blindness before it strikes.  In Nepal, a new app is 
being created to screen for glaucoma in its early stages.  While there 
may not be a prevalence of iPads in developing areas, it allows for 
tentative diagnosis in places where there are no medical professionals.

	Many companies and governments worldwide are looking to implement 
mobile healthcare.  Expect to have an app of your own in the near 
future.


“Sierra Leone pushes ITU members to back tech against Ebola” – 
Olusegun Abolaji Ogundeji – PCWorld – November 06. 2014
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2844872/sierra-leone-pushes-itu-members-to-back-tech-against-ebola.html

“iPad Screenings Effective for Detecting Early Signs of Glaucoma in 
Underserved, High-Risk Populations” – American Academy of 
Ophthalmology – October 20, 2014
http://www.aao.org/newsroom/release/ipadscreenings-effective-for-detecting-early-signs-of-glaucoma-in-underserved-high-risk-populations.cfm


Cheers,
Alec Spaulding
Haiti