Chapter 9: mHealth for Better Quality of Life, Healthier Lifestyles, and More Meaningful Lives

Abstract

Mobile health, also known as mHealth, refers to the adoption of novel technology, primarily smartphones, to complement traditional models of healthcare. At present, across the globe, citizens face inadequate access to healthcare, resulting from geographic or socio-economic factors, in conjunction with cultural barriers. Advanced technology and affordability have paved the way to an exponential increase in mobile phone usage, culturally embedded in modern lifestyles. Mobile health can empower people currently facing challenges in accessing medical services, to manage health issues via technology and applications. The importance of mHealth in providing medical support, disease control and, ultimately, cultivating healthy lifestyles will be illustrated through four case studies, from a global perspective. Applications dedicated to increased healthcare access, health promotion for emerging diseases and disease control will be discussed in the case studies. Collaborations among civil society, the private sector and governments have resulted in great strides in international development. The role of mHealth in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development set forth by the United Nations in 2015 will be explored. Furthermore, its impact and significance in the field of international development will be discussed. Mobile health facilitates individual potential for well-being, supporting the fundamental notion of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.