The buzz around mobile phones for health is unbelievable (some will disagree strongly, but I still contend we need more evidence). We have four other link drops on mobile phones for development or global health which can be found at the end of the post. Before we get to the links, HopePhones.org was launched today and is a fantastic idea – please pass the word(in terms of recycling has anyone seen any good models for the millions of bednets that will have to be recycled?). Thanks to Ada K for sending me this:

“We’re going through 500,000 cell phones every day in the US — these handsets are thrown away or put into drawers.  Being launched today, HopePhones.org has come up with a strategy to take unused, old phones and monetize them to get new phones for clinics across the world.  One old blackberry will allow HopePhones.org to purchase 3-5 cell phones for healthcare workers, bringing another 250 families onto the health grid via SMS.”

“Donating your old phone is easier than the Three Delays Model.  Here’s their website: www.HopePhones.org (twitter: @HopePhones).  You just have to print off their pre-paid shipping labels. For further reading, check out Nathaniel Whittemore’s detailed post: Your Old Phone can Change the World. ” You can also visit one of the brains behind the idea, Josh Nesbit, on his site, I am sure he would appreciate feedback (image credit: ushahidi).

Link Drop
1. Why open source is essential for mobile phone based tools, link
2. Take TB Meds, Get Mobile Minutes, link (hat tip Jose)
3. Kenyan Mobile Phone TB Medication Reminder: mDOT experiement, link
4. Cellbook launches worlds first book about hiv/aids on mobile phones, link
5. CelloPhone and CelloScope Monintoring Field trials (TB and Malaria), link
6. Rural Medics in Ghana get Mobile Hotline, link
7.News article on EpiSurveyor use on mobile phones in sub-Saharan Africa, link
8. Mobile Alerts Play Key Healthcare Role, link
9. Pakistani  Mobile phone company starts sending anti-polio text messages, link
10 . San Francisco MedNET – Mobile Phone app for Cardiac Patients, link
11. Mobile revolutionizing healthcare: CTIA keynote, link

Previous Links on mHealth
Mobile Phone & Development Link Drop (Mar 10, 2009)
Mobile Phones & Global Health III: Ultrasound, Imaging & ECG to Go! (Aug 27, 2008)
Mobile Phones and International Health Links Part II (Aug 3, 2008)
Mobile Phones and Global Health Link Drop (July 28, 2008)