High mortality and morbidity rates in emerging markets can be attributed to a lack of: (i) basic health services, and (ii) awareness amongst large sections of population. Mobile is not only helping to close the information gap but is also facilitating the delivery of health services to under-served populations through the use of SMS, MMS, email, voice and IVR technologies. m- Health is helping to combat infectious diseases, and delivers remote nutritional health and treatment for a variety of health conditions. It is also reducing the cost of medical facilities, even in developed economies.
In Africa about 200,000 women die each year through complications during pregnancy or childbirth. ?Mobile-baby? is an m-Health service being implemented in Nigeria and Tanzania (known as ?Safer Deliveries? in Tanzania). The service is aimed at reducing mother and child mortality by helping pregnant women in rural areas reach hospital. ?Mobile-baby? allows medical practitioners to send ultrasound images, video clips and 3D scans directly from ultrasound machines to mobile phones providing real-time remote medical diagnostics. The service is resulting in reduced mortality rates, wherever practiced, according to GSMA
