The health care system in Papua New Guinea is fragile, and surveillance systems infrequently meet international standards. To strengthen outbreak identification, health authorities piloted a mobile phone–based syndromic surveillance system and used established frameworks to evaluate whether the system was meeting objectives. Stakeholder experience was investigated by using standardized questionnaires and focus groups. Nine sites reported data that included 7 outbreaks and 92 cases of acute watery diarrhea. The new system was more timely (2.4 vs. 84 days), complete (70% vs. 40%), and sensitive (95% vs. 26%) than existing systems. The system was simple, stable, useful, and acceptable; however, feedback and subnational involvement were weak. A simple syndromic surveillance system implemented in a fragile state enabled more timely, complete, and sensitive data reporting for disease risk assessment. Feedback and provincial involvement require improvement. Use of mobile phone technology might improve the timeliness and efficiency of public health surveillance.
Conclusion The mission of the One Earth Future foundation is to support peace and good governance because these systems simply work better for humanity. Preventing problems such as piracy is much cheaper than addressing them once they have become embedded in local structures. Systems which allow for healthy economic growth and stable systems of governance are overall cheaper and better for everyone involved. As Benjamin Franklin said: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Sincerely,
Would relieving the nurse of certain duties by supplying clerical assistance give her more time for follow-up activities that would result in a larger number of children receiving health care? This study attempted to answer this question in terms of experimental and control schools. In general, the use of clerical personnel did not appear to make a significant difference, or, more hands do not necessarily do more work. Other factors are undoubtedly involved.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces formidable health equity challenges. Technology and information is a key part of an effective health system and a determinant of community health equity. Innovative uses of mHealth technologies are proliferating in PNG and can facilitate improvements in the flow of data and information in the PNG health system. However in isolation these are unlikely to lead to positive change in health equity. This paper considers the implications of mHealth interventions within the broader PNG health system, and discusses the importance of evaluation to ensure mHealth contributes to improved community health outcomes and health equity.
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