IntraHealth International’s “Vital”: Why Technology Isn’t Always the Answer in Global Health
Avni Varia, digital health researcher at IntraHealth International, discusses the use of technology in global health interventions and her specific research on the use of activity trackers to address hypertension. She writes, “We were excited by the flashiness of digital technology. And we forgot the main purpose of our intervention, which was to find a solution that would be practical and high-impact. We realized we need a plan that centers on behavior change to create positive lifestyle in both diet and physical activity. We need to tackle the high prevalence of hypertension in a holistic manner and from many levels. The synergy of multiple, different interventions will increase the likelihood of success and a sustainable outcome” (10/4).