Description (short summary):
This paper constitutes a general exploration of eHealth activities in developing countries.

More and more, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are available and can act as a catalyst for the improvement of health in all parts of the world. Even in poor countries, various initiatives tend to spread the technology among the population.

Among the numerous elements contributing to individual's wellbeing, health is arguably one of the most fundamental keystones. In spite of huge progress made in the area of medical research, a large part of the world population is still affected by diseases that can not be addressed, either by lack of scientific knowledge or because of financial constraints. This statement is especially accurate in economically deprived countries where some people do not have access to the most basic medical services. In many places, life expectancy is lower than 45 years whilst it is estimated at about 80 years in the European Union. Beside the role health plays for human wellbeing, it is also a crucial factor influencing the economic prosperity of a country. In a developmental approach, investing in better healthcare in poor countries seems thus a very judicious choice.

Number of pages:
36

Nature of documentation: Independent reports and studies