Technology for development: innovation is not enough

Abstract

In their editorial,1 Bhala et al. suggest that novel technology is a short-term alternative to building strong healthcare systems and can remove focus from important issues such as the global shortage of healthcare workers and the brain drain from developing countries. While the mere idea of innovation is insufficient to bring about a revolution in global health, when coupled with effective implementation, the impact can be real and the effect sustainable. Specifically, new technology has been demonstrably used to facilitate the progress of high-quality healthcare systems in developing countries. This can be using ICT to help support isolated healthcare professionals, and for educational and research capacity building. Novel web-based technologies allow organizations such as MedicineAfrica to provide ongoing educational and clinical support in real time to remote healthcare professionals and students in Somaliland through times of conflict and crisis.2 UK healthcare professionals are able to contribute their time and expertise on a sustainable basis, for example through giving a one-hour live, online teaching session per week to trainees where adequate in country support is not readily available. Partnerships like this not only help train healthcare professionals, but also build upon existing frameworks to increase educational capacity in developing countries. Furthermore, the use of technology to connect people can also go a long way towards increasing research capacity. Access to current medical journals through HINARI and correspondence with the global community are essential for conducting high-quality pioneering research but require ongoing oversight.3, 4 New technologies can be used to provide long-term North–South and South–South communication, mentoring and idea sharing to help advance a new generation of research leaders in developing countries.5 With planning, implementation and evaluation in mind, the global community can address the global shortage of healthcare workers and brain drain through the use of innovative technologies.