Every day, many of the rural poor in the developing world suffer from undiagnosed, yet treatable, health problems. This is largely due to a short supply of adequately trained healthcare professionals, sporadically located health facilities, and unevenly allocated government and NGO health resources.

MIDA aims to help. MIDA -- Medical In-field Diagnostic Assistant -- arms isolated rural health workers with a free, interactive diagnostic support tool that not only enhances their in-field capabilities, but also compiles health information to assist government and NGO workers in formulating treatment strategies and responses to regional health trends.

How does it work?

• Health workers facing a complex case use existing cellular phones to "login" with a health post ID by sending a text message (SMS) to a free number. They receive a response from an automated system, initiating a line of questioning.
• Based on the submissions, the system either responds with a follow-up question or suggestion to aid in the diagnosis of the case.
• If the case is indeterminate or eligible to be forwarded to a specialist, additional information, notes, and photos can be added to the case.
• Pertinent cases are prioritized and sent to the relevant specialist for review and response.
• Specialist response (with patient ID number) is routed through the system and arrives as a text message on the cell phone of the health worker who sent the original case information
• All cases are stored in a central database accessible by authorized public health professionals

For further information, please visit our new website: www.mida-intl.org