TSF is increasingly involved in longer term prevention and development activities that offer sustainable solutions to local associations and communities in the most vulnerable and isolated areas. Our goal is to bridge the digital divide and to use ICTs to allow local partners to more effectively and efficiently advance their goals in areas such as health, agriculture, education, economic development, and crisis prevention. These programs aim to share the benefits of ICT and mobile communications because ICTs are not only essential to humanitarian pursuits in emergencies, but also for the development of activities that can prevent disasters or mitigate their impact.NARROWING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
To narrow the digital divide, TSF collaborates with local communities and authorities in some of the world's most remote areas to set up sustainable community communication centres, provide ICT equipment and provide computer and Internet training.
The development of community ICT centres in Abalak (Niger), Dakoro (Niger), Guiè (Burkina Faso), Telpaneca (Nicaragua), and Svay Check (Cambodia). Once the installation of the centre is completed, it offers to community members and students, as well as to local and international organisations working with those vulnerable communities the means to communicate to the outside world: computer and IT equipment, broadband Internet connection, phone lines, fax, and computer and Internet training. It’s a priority for TSF to ensure the durability of these projects, through an appropriate handover and by building local capacities. It is TSF’s desire to integrate local partners as much as possible on these projects to guarantee the sustainability of the centres. Local staff are also recruited and trained in the initial part of the project. They deliver the Internet and computer trainings to the beneficiaries and a local coordinator is in charge of the management of the centre.
Because ICT tools are generally unobtainable for these organisations without TSF’s assistance, our ICT for development programs allow isolated communities or areas facing difficult development hurdles to help themselves.
ICT TOOLS FOR HEALTH
Using the power of mobile technologies in health
Building Information Systems to fight diseases
Moreover, the most vulnerable populations need steady efforts of follow-up of health data to allow a better response in case of crisis. There are national systems dedicated to this, and information systems have to be considered as essential elements to ensure the best efficiency.
TSF brings its technical expertise to assist health organisations in building information systems, to support and improve health systems, and to research , prevent and fight epidemic diseases. With the most powerful and up-to-date satellite tools, TSF not only equips health centres, hospitals and clinics but also links them through reliable connections.
• A partnership with the Department of Health in Managua, Nicaragua to use ICT tools to strengthen the fight against Dengue Fever. TSF set up a real-time monitoring system based on SMS technology, including 27 health units in the Managua urban area. By providing communication links between health structures and SILAIS (crisis unit), TSF allows the Health Ministry to have more accurate information about the disease spread within Managua and can quickly survey and assess the needs in affected areas. By collecting key indicators from all affected areas, the objective is to implement effective and adequate measures to stop the spread and avoid an uncontrollable epidemic. Through this program, TSF participates in strengthening health systems in Nicaragua .
• TSF has again decided to pursue the development of its mobile health program in Nicaragua, supporting MINSA’s project for the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights in the regions of Jinotega and RAAN (Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte). Early in 2011, TSF reinforced the capacities of health workers at SILAIS (crisis unit of the Health Ministry) in the Jinotega region.
• A partnership with the Mahidol-Oxford research unit to provide ICT support to laboratories and health clinics on the border between Myanmar and Thailand that monitor and treat malaria among the refugee population. Malaria kills over one million people every year. The situation is acute along the Myanmar-Thai border, where the treatment-resistant parasites are taking hold. TSF is empowering health care workers treating thousands of Burmese refugees and Thai patients, with special attention accorded to pregnant women and children. TSF has already computerised the systems of the clinics. Previously, all patient data was recorded and stored on paper. A computerised database now allows real-time data access of patient information by doctors allowing them to secure support and create a framework for impact assessment.
Phone lines to save lives
TSF installs satellite phone lines in remote and vulnerable areas, which are situated several hours drivie from the nearest health care centre. These phone lines are dedicated to medical emergencies, to call the ambulance or to inform the nearest hospital of the arrival of a patient. These lines are mobile and are very useful to the mobile medical teams.
