1. Mobile Health (mHealth) as defined by the foundation of the National Institutes of Health (2010) is “the
delivery of healthcare services via mobile communication devices.” Mobile health development was
motivated by two main factors; 1) increased constraints felt by healthcare systems, some of which
includes: high population growth; a high burden of disease prevalence; low healthcare workforce; large
numbers of rural inhabitants; and limited financial resources to support healthcare infrastructure and
information systems. 2) The recent rapid rise in mobile phone technology and usage.
This new field of healthcare proposes that by incorporating technology into healthcare creates an
atmosphere of a better health communication between health professionals and patients. It improves
access to medical and health information, therefore promoting healthier lifestyles and increasing quality
of healthcare ( shields, T., Chettey, A., and Davis, J., 2002).
Other objectives of mobile health as outlined by the UN Foundation and Vodafone Foundation are to
improve ability to diagnose and track diseases; provides timelier, more actionable public health
information; and expands access to ongoing medical education and training for health workers.
To conclude, mobile health is a modern, sub-segment of electronic health, that uses information and
communication technology to provide information and health services. (UN Foundation and Vodafone
Foundation,2009)
References:
Torgan, C., 2009. The Mental Health Summit: “local and global health coverage.” Retrieved
15/3/13 from: Article by Wikipedia on mobile health (mHealth) at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MHealth#Definitions
Sheilds, T., Chettey, A., & Davis, J., (2005): A summary of the online consultation. Retrieved
15/3/13 from: Article by Wikipedia on mobile health (mHealth) at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MHealth#Definitions
United Nations Foundation & Vodafone Foundation, 2009. Mobile health for development: The
opportunity of Mobile Technologies for Healthcare in the developing world. P9. Retrieved
15/3/13 from: Article by Wikipedia on mobile health (mHealth) at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MHealth#Definitions

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MHealth#Definitions