Improving health connecting people: the role of ICTs in the health sector of developing countries.

TLDR: The paper describes the major constraints and challenges faced in using ICTs effectively in the health sector of developing countries.

Abstract: This framework paper is aimed at policy makers who are involved in the development or management of programmes in the health sector in developing countries. It provides a snapshot of the type of information and communication technology (ICT) interventions that are being used in the health sector and the policy debates around ICTs and health. It draws from the experience of use in both the North and South but with a focus on applicability in the South to identify the most effective and relevant uses of ICTs. The paper describes the major constraints and challenges faced in using ICTs effectively in the health sector of developing countries. It draws out good practice for using ICTs in the health sector identifies major players and stakeholders and highlights priority needs and issues of relevance to policy makers. The paper also looks at emerging trends in technologies that are likely to shape ICT use in the health sector and identifies gaps in knowledge. For the purposes of this paper ICTs are defined as tools that facilitate communication and the processing and transmission of information by electronic means. This definition encompasses the full range of ICTs from radio and television to telephones (fixed and mobile) computers and the Internet. (excerpt)