NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Friday, July 25, 2014

Samsung Electronics has joined GSMA, an organisation that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, to partner in initiatives that will see an improved healthcare system. The GSMA Mobile for Development mHealth programme launched a new cross-ecosystem partnership designed to provide a range of mHealth services to women and children. The plan will have a particular focus on nutrition across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Samsung is joined at launch phase by Gemalto, Hello Doctor, Lifesaver, Mobenzi, Mobilium, MTN and Omega Diagnostics. This initiative could have far-reaching impact; according to GSMA Intelligence, there is a total annual, addressable market of 15.5 million pregnant women and mothers with children under five years of age.

Mike van Lier, Divisional Head of Enterprise Business Team (EBT), Samsung Electronics, South Africa, said: “Healthcare in South Africa and the entire African continent has benefited greatly from advancements in technology. Simultaneously, the healthcare industry is moving towards a delivery model that is more patient-centered, value-based and accessible in even remote environments. Samsung is perfectly positioned to add value to this digital evolution in healthcare, as our mobile devices are both at the cutting edge of innovation and widely available across the continent. These capabilities provide the much needed healthcare support in Africa, ensuring that we are aligned with the Millennium Development Goals as set by the United Nations.”

“This new mobile ecosystem partnership, developed by the GSMA, is committed to connecting the mobile and health industries to develop commercially sustainable mHealth services that meet public health needs,” said Tom Phillips, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA. “The companies in this partnership are working to deliver the objectives of the United Nations Every Women Every Child Global Strategy, as well as the Global Nutrition for Growth Compact, in the areas of nutrition and maternal and child health. We call on mobile ecosystem players, health providers, governments, NGOs, civil society and others to work with us to launch life-saving mobile health services.”