Taken for granted in much of the world, smartphones with a specially designed health app are giving village health workers in Myanmar an unprecedented upgrade in their access to reliable information and support.
Story by Matt Painter
Donor support has enabled MAF to supply 147 Android smartphones to village health workers in isolated areas of Myanmar through their partner Medical Action Myanmar (MAM). The phones are equipped with the custom-made Health App that allows health workers with limited training to access a wealth of information.
“Access to healthcare has always been limited. When I became a village health worker I had little knowledge, but the doctors trained me extensively,” said health volunteer Su Su*. “Regardless, it has been a big comfort to be able to use the program to always ensure that tests are done and read correctly, and the correct treatment is prescribed. I feel like becoming a village health worker with this kind of support has helped many of my people.”
“This phone has improved my knowledge. I learn something new every day and I can see people trust me even more now,” said Win Win, another health worker.
“Being able to read information gives me confidence to give medicine,” added San Min. “I always read very carefully to make sure I make the right choice.”
Nay Lin is a village health worker serving in PutaO, in northern Myanmar’s Kachin state. She describes the additional benefit of being able to use the phone to access expert advice and support.
“In the remote villages of PutaO, where there is little to no electricity, mobile phones have become a vital tool for health volunteers like us,” she said.
“They help us stay connected with the MAM medical doctors, especially during emergencies like critical patient referrals or malaria-positive cases. Before, we had to rely on word of mouth or wait for someone to travel to town, which often caused dangerous delays. Now, a quick phone call can save lives,” said Nay Lin.
“The phone enables me not only to confidently diagnose and treat patients within the villages, but it also makes me feel good knowing that I can always reach a doctor if needed,” said village health worker Nilar.
...becoming a village health worker with this kind of support has helped many of my people.
*Pseudonyms have been used throughout this story