The vast majority of health workers in low-income countries do not have access to the internet. Many of them have no reliable reference or learning materials at all. As a result they do not have the basic information they need to deliver safe, effective health care. There are many other barriers – the language barrier, which you mention, is important even for the fortunate few who have access to the internet.

It’s a complex challenge but a vital one: lack of healthcare information is a hidden killer. HIFA2015 involves more than 2000 professionals from 135 countries, working together to identify solutions. Anyone with an interest is welcome to join:

http://www.hifa2015.org

Best wishes,
Neil

Dr Neil Pakenham-Walsh MB,BS
Coordinator, HIFA2015 Campaign
Co-director, Global Healthcare Information Network
16 Woodfield Drive
Charlbury, Oxfordshire OX7 3SE, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1608 811338
Email: neil.pakenham-walsh@ghi-net.org
Web: http://www.ghi-net.org
Web (HIFA2015): http://www.hifa2015.org

Join HIFA2015 and CHILD2015 – send your name, organisation and brief description of your professional interests to hifa2015-admin@dgroups.org and child2015-admin@dgroups.org (or direct to Neil PW at neil.pakenham-walsh@ghi-net.org )

“Healthcare Information For All by 2015: By 2015, every person worldwide will have access to an informed healthcare provider”

With thanks to our 2009 Sponsors: British Medical Association, Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Nursing

I don’t quite understand the issue of information not being available outside of the developed world, when online information is international. I’m probably missing the point, besides the obvious English language barrier.

We publish case reports from clinicians all over the world and are eager to be as accessible to those in developing regions as possible. We get lots of case reports submitted from developing countries, which is very encouraging. As an open platform, doctors in developing countries are able to share knowledge about treatment of diseases affecting local populations that may be overlooked by the mainstream international medical journals.

HIFA2015 brings together more than 2000 professionals from 135 countries, committed to a common goal: By 2015, every person worldwide will have access to an informed health care provider. The campaign was launched in Mombasa, Kenya, in 2006. We highlight the link between the lack of availability of relevant, reliable information for healthcare providers in developing countries, and the daily toll of tens of thousands of deaths in developing countries. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if carers had known what to do, and when and where to seek help.

The campaign brings together all those involved in the creation, exchange and use of information. We share expertise and experience in two dynamic email communities: HIFA2015 (general) and CHILD2015 (child health). Anyone with an interest is welcome.

“HIFA2015 is the best thing to happen in my life concerning my career. I have learnt so, so much from the discussions… Long live HIFA2015!”
Beatrice Muraguri, Health Information Officer, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya

Best wishes,
Neil

Dr Neil Pakenham-Walsh MB,BS
Coordinator, HIFA2015 Campaign
Co-director, Global Healthcare Information Network
Tel: +44 (0)1608 811338
Email: neil.pakenham-walsh-AT-ghi-net.org
Web (HIFA2015): http://www.hifa2015.org

With thanks to our 2009 Sponsors: British Medical Association, Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Nursing