Paper short abstract:

Which M-Health model can work as a link between urban based healthcare and rural areas, where health care is an urgent need.

Paper long abstract:

In this paper we will present the outcome of a qualitative research on the effects of m-health in different areas in West and Central Africa. The mobile in m-health refers to mobile devices like cell phones and e-microscope and e-ultrasound, and to mobility of personnel and equipment. The central question is which model of m-health is appropriate to link available health care that is often urban based to rural areas where health care is quasi absent. The project started in 2014 with the implementation of a sms-based connectivity system between laboratory personnel, a medical doctor, health workers and the population in a region in Southern Chad to treat Bilharziose (Schistomosiasis), a forgotten disease that causes many problems for children and the population in general. The project evaluates this pilot project. Next to this project an evaluation is made of different m-health projects in Mali and Ghana to compare results. The evaluation is made of the projects in their social, political and economic contexts. The empirical data will feed into the model of m-health that we would like to develop.