By Nyasha Weluzani and Mary Doma
Herald Reporters
Zimbabwe. Government has commended business sectors in building a health care system that will help the country achieve its Millennium Development Goals( MDGs) on universal access to health, a senior official has said .
Speaking during the Econet health tips launch Deputy Minister for Health and Child Welfare Dr Paul Chimedza said they were looking keenly at developments in private sector which can enhance efforts to improve health delivery system.
“Innovation remains the key in this market especially if we are to combat health issues which can be tackled through access to relevant information. I thank Econet for its continued innovation specifically on health issues and support to the ministry, “he said.
“We urge all other organisations to think and research beyond their core business there by supporting the MDGs. Goal 4.5 and 6 are all on health issues indicating how seriously the government of Zimbabwe especially child mortality ,maternal health and combatting HIV/AIDS ,malaria and other diseases.
Econet Chief Executive Officer Mr Douglas Mboweni said as a telecom service provider they want to eradicate health problems through the use of technology.
“The service which is the first of its kind in the country is expected to provide customers with lifestyle tips to help them stay health. We are promoting access to relevant information hence the use of the USSD which is accessible to every handset.
Knowledge is power we want to reach many people and promote fitness and wellbeing of the local Zimbabwean people,” he said.
Mobile phones are becoming an increasingly important platform for the delivery of health interventions. In recent years, researchers have used mobile phones as tools for encouraging physical activity and healthy diets, for symptom monitoring in asthma and heart disease, for sending patients reminders about upcoming appointments, for supporting smoking cessation, and for a range of other health problems.
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