Satellife

Is a low-cost method of providing health information exchange in developing countries. It was developed and implemented in Uganda in 2003 by the Uganda Health Information Network(UHIN).

Goal

To develop a cost effective means of health information dissemination, data collection, reporting and transfer, and electronic mail (email) exchange using appropriate technology.

Components

1. Mobile (cellular) telephone.
2. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).
3. Server.

The system utilizes low-cost Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and handheld cellphones for data entry and data is transmitted over wireless carriers to the central server located in Kampala.

Working

The PDAs are used by health workers to collect data at the community level. The data is uploaded or sent to nearest African Access Point (AAP) visa infrared, bluetooth or wi-fi and from there, the data is transmitted via wireless carriers to the servers.

Scope

Around 600 Health workers in five districts use the system to facilitate clinical and public health data and information exchange.

Users

1. Doctors.
2. Nurses.
3. Clinical Officers.
4. Community Health Workers.

References

Uganda Health Information Network [1]