Storm Trader, a South African IT solutions company, has developed a groundbreaking software programme that could revolutionise the management of HIV/Aids and other chronic diseases in Africa.
The software is a 'world first' in that there exists no workable Internet-based programme to effectively monitor patients with chronic diseases elsewhere in the world. "Expensive and complex health monitoring solutions like telemedicine and satellite technology are available to countries that have the infrastructure to support it, but they are unaffordable in Africa," says Mark Berman, Director of the Johannesburg-based Storm Trader.
"The beauty of our system is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The Storm Trader system is Internet-based, utilises widely available PC technology and is so simple that any general practitioner can be trained to use it."
Developed for a medical supplies company that provides medicines, health expertise and laboratory support to doctors all over Africa, the Storm Trader system has been endorsed by HIV/Aids specialists like Dr Ruben Sher.
The biggest stumbling block to implementing a comprehensive Aids management programme is the monitoring of patients. This software solves that problem, says Berman. "Technology has improved in leaps and bounds, and is becoming more and more part of African culture. We have designed a system specifically to cater for Africa; one which utilises technology and resources that take into consideration the technological limitations and unique problems of our continent."
The health management system is requires merely a PC and Internet dial-up to connect users to a network which facilitates information exchange and expert guidance, affording the GP instant global expertise. This system provides technical support to enable doctors throughout Africa to effectively treat their own patients while preserving the intimacy and confidentiality of the one-on-one relationship. The customised software programme allows the physician to track the patient's progress by logging symptoms, drug treatments, results of blood tests and diagnoses. The GP has access to an international database where drug efficacy and contra-indications are logged. "With advances in information technology we can connect doctors in even the remotest of areas in Africa to specialists and laboratories."
This type of software can be adapted for any company or industry that wishes to provide its employees with on-site treatment and monitoring. It can also be adapted for individual hospitals and clinics. "If business and government are to effectively combat the pandemic, and monitor other chronic diseases like TB, then they would do well to turn to technology to assist them. We are eager to share our knowledge in the context of the African continent, where highly sophisticated solutions are required at affordable rates."
Storm Trader has implemented the system in several African countries, including Zambia and Kenya and is committed to providing IT solutions at affordable rates.
"While we were developing the system we had to bear in mind that we wanted to reach every outpost of the continent and not only people who could afford huge computer support. Although a video conferencing facility will be available in future, we are keeping it simple at the moment. Each user requires only a PC and the software, which is installed and supported by Storm Trader," says Berman.
The software dramatically improves the speed and efficiency with which patients can be treated. "In Africa it is customary for people to travel for hundreds of miles from the rural areas to a clinic and then to stand in queues for days. This is expensive and even dangerous. A physician can treat about 20 patients per day, but with this system many more can receive attention," says Berman.
"The Internet is used as the networking medium, with a web-page developed as site access. No specific user interface software is required; a web-browser is utilised. Most importantly, standard hardware is distributed to everyone in the network, which means that servicing is made easier and maintenance is not an issue. We have ensured accessibility and support across the continent by using only Microsoft products. Furthermore, the hardware that is used is scalable and offers redundancy."
Adds Berman: "The servers, although state of the art, are down-scaled and can be upgraded should the need arise."
Storm Trader offers holistic IT solutions from software development and sourcing of the best prices on hardware, followed by installation and maintenance of hardware and networks. "We provide clients with an across-the-board service, ensuring that existing systems are integrated into new networks.
"There are companies that distinguish themselves as innovators and others that pride themselves on their reliability: we try to do both," concludes Berman.
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