For the past two and a half years, there has been advancement in the world of science and technlogy in the medicine filed than the history of man, says Eric Topol in one of many TedMed presentations.

The stethoscope was invented in the year 1816. It is expected that in 2016, doctors (and healthcare workers who are directly involved in client's care) will no longer have to carry this equipment. Instead, Eric Topol says medics and the general population will be using smartphones to monitor vital signs and chronic conditions. From physiology to imaging, we will  be able to track and see the following on our phones:-
- Electrocardiogram - ECG (EKG)
- The vital signs (Blood Pressure, Temperature, Respirations, Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation)
- Contractions (in pregnant and expectant mothers)
- Blood sugar
- Sleep pattern (useful in determining sleep apnea)
- Calorie intake in real time (useful in weight management)
- Ultra Sound
e.t.c.

The tool is going to be able to help predict for example, who is going to get Diabetes type 2, Breast Cancer, Atrial fibrillation, Sudden Cardiac Arrest etc in the future, based on their genetic makeup.

if you click on the series of photos embedded below, you will see one with the Top Ten diseases that at the moment can be tracked. The list is based on the percentage and distribution of some chronic diseases in the general population of the USA.

While appreciating all this power of technology, my thinking was embeded on how we can apply it in our settings and be able to benefit Africa in the light of common and chronic diseases such as Malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB and now Diabetes, Hypertension etc.

Click here to watch this video on the videos page.