Tanzanian Network Tests New Health Collaboration Website
Feb 21 2011, Tanzania [TZ], Health
- Source:
- Nic Moens [nmoens(at)iicd.org]
- Country:
- Tanzania [TZ]
- Sector:
- Health
Afya Mtandao, Tanzania’s national ICT for Development (ICT4D) health network, is testing a new social health website. With the website, hospitals and health institutions using ICT tools can share their experiences and read news about ICT in the health sector.
The website was set up together with Dutch IT company InterAccess by using the Ning platform (an online platform for people to create their own websites and social networks).
Tanzania’s ICT4Health network indicated that testing a new site was important because its current website lacked some options for network members to communicate, place articles or comment.
InterAccess information analyst Adriaan Bakker says the new website could solve most of these issues. “The website is really a social website. Members can now open their own page on the website and add their own articles.”
The website could also offer other advantages, says Bakker. Currently most articles on how ICT is used in the health sector in Tanzania are in Swahili. “With the Ning-based website, it is easier to translate content to English. And the new website is easier to use.”
The test version of the website can be found at www.afyamtandaonetwork.ning.com
Afya Mtandao (Swahili for Health Network) - was officially launched in January 2008 in Mwanza, Tanzania. The network unites Tanzanian health workers and promotes the use of ICT in the health sector by providing a knowledge-sharing platform for health workers, raising awareness of ICT in the health sector and providing ICT support services for health institutions. The network is supported by IICD.