Developing Countries Using Wearables for Health

There are multiple challenges to deploying wearable technology for health and wellness in the developing world.  Limited government health funding and low per capita income are the obvious hurdles. But there are also cultural differences, sometimes sporadic availability of electricity and wireless networks, and lack of tech support for the devices themselves.

However, none of these barriers are insurmountable. A resource from the World Health Organization (WHO) is available on the market regulation of medical devices. Also, WHO has a compendium on innovative devices which is currently being updated. At the country level, partnerships with government and non-government organizations (NGOs) are also key; NGOs can be helpful in understanding the cultural context that might make wearables acceptable.  

UNICEF has developed Wearables for Good which encourages the development of new wearables appropriate for low resource settings.  This includes a handbook developed for their challenge but is still relevant for new innovations in this technology. 

As innovations progress and electricity and wireless networks become more reliable through the use of solar and other low energy solutions, wearables will become more prevalent and more specific to these countries than those dependent on high-end smart phones in developed countries.