SMS Feasibility Study Public Health Outreach in Ghana Alexis Thomas Maria Hoffmann Jim Cerqua

Project Overview Research –Telephone use in Ghana –Current platforms and systems used in other projects around the world SMS Platforms –In-depth Internet search –Four software platforms selected based on certain criteria

EngenderHealth International reproductive non-profit health organization that improves the quality of health care in the world’s poorest communities. –Empowers people to make informed choices about contraception –Trains health providers to make motherhood safer –Promotes gender equity –Enhances the quality of HIV and AIDS services –Advocates for positive policy change

EngenderHealth Partnerships: Governments, institutions, communities, and health care professionals in more than 40 countries worldwide. 65 year-old organization, has reached more than 100 million people. Budget: In 2007, total income was $47.5 million. Total operating expenses were $47 million, with 81% spent on program services. U.S. AID gave $37,327,061, about 80% of total budget.

Population: 23 million GDP per capita: $1,400 Telephones –356,400 landlines (2006) –5.2 million mobile phones (2006) Ghana

Four mobile operators: Ghana Telecom (OneTouch), MTN, Tigo and Kasapa MTN Ghana is the market leader Number of mobile to analogue: 14:1 Cell phone users in Ghana topped the 7 million mark in 2007 Industry watchers predict near-saturation levels

Quality Health Partners: By the Numbers 400 physicians working with QHP on various parts of the project (HIV and non-HIV). 17,000 HIV+ patients who could benefit. More than 1 million outpatients in 2007 who might benefit from health information.

EngenderHealth’s Needs Network for 400 participating doctors to communicate to other healthcare providers A way to alert patients regarding pharmaceutical compliance, workshops, testing

Project Overview SMS Feasibility study for healthcare –Who is going to use it? –What is it used for? –Where is it utilized? –How much does it cost?

Methodology Research –Mobile phone use in Ghana –Case studies –Cultural implications of technology –Network/Software affordability –Technological comparison study

Comparison of SMS Platforms 1.In-depth Internet research 2.Four software platforms selected 3.Criteria Active Cost Ease of use Ease of installation Support

Selected Platforms Researched FrontlineSMS M2Server Manager ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server SMSCaster E-Marketer

Comparison Chart for SMS Technology

Estimated Costs

Estimated Costs (Cont.)

Recommendations FrontlineSMS Actual platform is free Many NGO’s already use with success User-friendly, Plug and Play Feeling Very responsive to inquiries New Version Released Soon

Results & Deliverables Comprehensive report surveying opportunities in Ghana Recommendations made from in-depth research Implementation of platforms Feedback from EngenderHealth Presentation to Ghana staff at EngenderHealth Offices

Reflections Challenges –Group work –Broad criteria for project –Technical difficulties –NGO representative in different time zone –Short project timeline

Reflections Rewards –New relationship with NGO –Real world implications –New knowledge –Learning about fieldwork of NGO

Questions?