Vital

News & commentary about the global health workforce

Distracted Doctoring: A Conversation with Dr. Papadakos

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog response to a New York Times article on doctors distracted from their jobs by mobile technology.

Advocating For Open Access: Information Has the Power to Save Lives

IntraHealth has long championed the importance of health workers and managers having open access to information, particularly in developing countries. Open access is a natural extension of that work.

iHRIS: A Year of Development

As IntraHealth's global project wraps up its second fiscal year, we're sharing a summary of its accomplishments.

iHRIS and eLearning: A New Direction for Capacity-Building

Kabelo Bitsang of the Botswana Ministry of Health, learned to maintain and customize the iHRIS software by studying online, working with developers around the world, and training in Ghana.

Technology, Innovation, and Young People: the Future of Global Health

Innovation, technology, and young people have been at the forefront of my mind lately.

It started with my engagement with the many talented students last month at the Clinton Global Initiative...

Open Access: The Only Viable Option for Change

Many people do not have access to a medical or academic library that subscribes to medical journals; even a low $10 document viewing fee is a burden.

Text Messages: An Essential Tool for Reaching Remote Health Workers in the Kenyan Health System

Like many sub-Saharan African countries, Kenya has a severe shortage of health workers, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas, which makes it difficult or impossible for people in these areas to...

Uganda’s Electronic Databases: From Guesswork to Real Data Management

I used to work at the Registrar of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council where I was the custodian of all information pertaining to the Ugandan nursing cadre. I often felt humbled when people, including those from high-ranking organizations, would come to me seeking data.

The Possibilities of Video Games and Digital Living for Future Health Workers' Lives

What if video games could be used to help solve the health care worker shortage in Africa? Playing games can help people learn knowledge and skills.

Without the User, There Is No System: Harnessing Technology through the eHealth Workforce

When we talk about building strong health systems and the health workers needed to run these systems, we often think about doctors or nurses or community health workers. Just as crucial to health...