Digital transformation to support universal access to health care
It’s now possible to take out a health insurance policy using a mobile phone, share information for pregnant women via an app, or use a digital platform for an online consultation with your doctor. The number of digital health care apps is increasing worldwide, helping more and more people gain access to health services – and that’s a good thing! Because the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that the digital collection, processing and analysis of health-related data is a game changer.
of the global population owns a smartphone.
of the global population lives in areas with mobile network coverage.
of the population in low-income countries has a mobile broadband subscription.
The provision of online services has become easier for governments too. But alongside facilitating access to health services, it is extremely important to ensure that the data are used correctly. This is why we support the following projects with a view to providing people with better protection against health emergencies and pandemics.
is an open-source solution developed by the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research with BMZ’s support. When an epidemic breaks out, it helps improve data quality and offers new management options. SORMAS (which stands for Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System) is being deployed for pandemic management in Africa and Germany.
Project website
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) have launched the RBC – Mbaza application, a chatbot that provides all relevant information on COVID-19 in Rwanda. Through the app, Rwandans can access daily statistics on the number of cases and vaccinations, COVID-19 symptoms and prevention, and what to do if someone tests positive.
is a digital system for managing health insurance: from registering as a member to making payments to health service providers, all processes are covered by IMIS. It also helps significantly in ensuring transparency and accountability as it was developed on the basis of an open-source solution.
Project website
