What commitment is required from Countries?
We are looking to ensure is government ownership of the mHealth initiatives. This ensures their success and sustainability for improving population risk from NCDs.
Financial
The first commitment is financial. This is required to sustain the programme, but also as a guarantee of ownership and commitment from the government. If the mHealth projects are financed by the country as opposed to an outside agent, there is a much greater likelihood of them being a success.
Project coordination
The government will also be required to designate a project manager and/or government team, who will be responsible for coordination the project with WHO and ITU. This individual or group will then become the main point of contact between the WHO and ITU, and the government. They will work with the programme to design each intervention in accordance with national needs.
Project activation
Finally, the government will be responsible for engaging users, via programme promotion in national health clinics for example, as well as helping to ensure that the programme is integrated into national health systems and is thus a sustainable investment.
This is an opportunity for governments to partner with WHO and ITU and develop a strong working relationship with the organizations. It is the first UN programme to use mobile health for combatting diseases like diabetes and cancer, meaning that association with the programme will galvanize a country’s reputation as a leader in this field of health and technology.
