Meeting Basic Health Information Needs in Africa

Abstract

Based on a paper presented at a meeting held on 15 July 1994 at BMA House, London: Getting health information from the developed to the developing world. Discusses problems faced by the University of Zimbabwe Medical Library (UZML) in meeting health information needs of academics and students. These include: lack of books, journals and experienced staff. Factors enabling information delivery include: development aid; low cost publishing; and information technology. Describes information delivery at UZML and its collaboration with the Ministry of Health in improving the delivery of health information in Zimbabwe through book distribution; publishing a digest of journal literature; training of health library managers ; development of a local health literature database; and online searches of MEDLINE and other databases on CD-ROM. Proposes an offshore endowment fund to finance book provision and discusses problems of security for library books. Reviews the relationship between journal subscriptions, document delivery services and CD-ROM databases, and considers the need for medical librarians to be trained in computer skills and subject knowledge. Concludes that cost and appropriateness must be the yardsticks in any discussion on bringing health information to the developing world.