In this seminar, Dr. Prabhjot Singh Dhadialla and Dr. Patricia Mechael of the Columbia University Earth Institute will discuss the historical progression of health systems and the role that new media and technology plays in helping to achieve international health objectives particularly as they relate to developing countries.

Dr. Dhadialla directs the Program for Health Systems Development and Research at the Earth Institute and is the community health worker/health systems adviser to the Millennium Villages Project. He will present a framework for examining and supporting community and clinic-based health service delivery and outreach. Dr. Mechael, who is the director of strategic application of mobile technology for public health and development at the Center for Global Health and Economic Development at the Earth Institute, will discuss the current state of mHealth implementation, policy, and research as it pertains to developing countries. The two will also present ChildCount+: a case study which uses a mobile phone-based events registry and alert system to facilitate and coordinate the activities of community health workers.