Articles · Vol. 16 No. 2 (2008): Africa Media Review, Volume 16, n° 2 , 2008

3 - Using ICTs to Enhance Healthcare in Zambia

Vol. 16 · 2008 No. 2 Africa Media Review, Volume 16, n° 2 , 2008 AMR

Abstract

This paper examines an electronic record system in Zambia, where Information
and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been adopted and are being used
innovatively in one area of the health sector – perinatal care. The paper explores
how the system known as the Zambia Electronic Perinatal Record System
(ZEPRS) is being used in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Having carried out
fieldwork in 2005 where interviews were conducted and observations made in
relation to the system, the paper makes the case that such use of ICTs is
contributing to human development and subsequently helping to meet some of
the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This paper therefore makes the
case that ZEPRS, one of a first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, is a good
example of a programme that is being used to meet United Nations (UN) MDGs,
of which enhancement of health is one of them.

Keywords

ICTs ZEPRS project healthcare Africa Information Society Initiative UN Millennium Development Goals

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