Mobile health (mHealth) describes the use of portable electronic devices with software applications to provide health services and manage patient information. With approximately 5 billion mobile phone users globally, opportunities for mobile technologies to play a formal role in health services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are increasingly being recognized. mHealth can also support the performance of health care workers by the dissemination of clinical updates, learning materials, and reminders, particularly in underserved rural locations in low- and middle-income countries where community health workers deliver integrated community case management to children sick with diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria.

This article from the Journal of Internet Medical Research reviews the intersection of cellular technology and public health in low- and middle-income countries to identify promising practices and experiences learned, as well as novel and innovative approaches of how mHealth can support community health workers.

Learn about how the K4Health Malawi Pilot Project, implemented between 2010 and 2012, worked in collaboration with Frontline SMS and the Ministry of Health to create an SMS-based mobile phone network between district health centers and community health workers (CHWs).

Want to know more about mHealth and community health workers?  Read these articles in the POPLINE database.