Information and Communication Technology: Applications
Access
Millions of people in developing countries lack access to the economic, political, and social benefits of ICT. Access issues encompass education, culture, policy and regulation, infrastructure, and public facilities. We work to increase access through policy advocacy, affordable software and hardware, user-driven and user-maintained Web applications, training and technical assistance in new technologies, sustainable and affordable connectivity for the underserved. For example:
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In Iraq, RTI and the Ministry of Health are using free and open-source software to create a Web-based e-learning system for continuous medical education. RTI is also helping the ministry develop strategies for connecting remote offices and facilities.
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In Zambia, we used wireless technologies to interconnect public obstetric clinics and the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. RTI worked with the University of Alabama at Birmingham to create one of the first electronic patient referral and medical systems in sub-Saharan Africa. For the first time, medical staff in these facilities have quick access to patient records and other critical information.
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In Ghana, we helped establish and strengthen self-supporting community learning centers that now provide public access to a wealth of information on the Internet.
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In Egypt, we helped improve the Parliament’s (www.parliament.gov.eg) capabilities to use information technology to inform parliamentary debate. RTI technical specialists helped increase network access in the Egyptian People’s Assembly by 156%. Members and staff now have easy access to internal and external information. Long-term analysis of sessions indicated that use of verifiable data in parliamentary debate increased significantly.
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