Why the Silence on ‘big data’ in Africa?

Why Big Data?
I’m an open admirer of ‘big data’ because it allows health leaders and managers to make and take great decisions. In 2015, we are developing lasting healthcare solutions by using computational and statistical methods from simple sources of data. By studying data from the simple things we do in life, we can save lives. For example, the data and patterns on how we buy pharmaceuticals can be analysed to influence and intercept our purchasing behaviors, thereby improving medication adherence and reducing hospitalization [1]. Let’s also consider something as simple as the radio. By understanding radio listenership data, we can target and channel life-saving messages on important future health topics and notifications [2].

Data Affects Everyone
Data and information from our everyday lives drive life-altering solutions. Why are we so confident that these solutions can work? Because we are able to apply principles of correlation and causation to data sets about our actual behavior, as opposed to “what if” models and theories. It is truly fascinating how simple data from our cell phones, our televisions, our laptops, our consumer purchases, and our modes of transportation can fuel realistic solutions for a better future. In April 2014, Johnathan Shaw authored a Harvard Magazine article entitled ‘Why “Big Data” Is a Big Deal’, where he shares countless examples of how the “big data” revolution has affected everyone everywhere [3].

Where is the Big Data on Africa?
I’ve observed one too many infographics or maps where big data on Africa is either not available or not able to be displayed. Let’s take the example of PC World Magazine that published an article on how Google, the world’s most robust search engine, has attempted to track the flu outbreak around the world. You will notice that data from Africa and much of South Asia are not reported or displayed within the graph [4]. Likewise, when studying a world map infographic of dominating websites around the world, data from many countries — particularly in Africa — are not available for analysis [5]. To these two examples, I respond…..why is the data not available? On behalf of those who live and continue to thrive in these “untrackable” countries, I challenge authors to dig deeper to find the data. I also challenge “untrackable” nations to outwardly share and publish more data for the world to analyze. For lasting solutions to reach more countries, we need better access to data from around the world.

Data Does Save Lives
Effective use of data can save lives. It is particularly critical in reducing morbidity and mortality in disaster stricken areas. One step in the right direction has been the use of telecommunications data to track populations in movement and the spread of disease. In 2015, Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) epidemiologist Caroline Buckee was highly regarded for her use of mobile phone data to track travel patterns of the Ebola virus across West Africa and help predict disease clusters and future hot spots [6]. Similarly, a joint research team from Karolinska Institute in Sweden and Columbia University supporting efforts to relieve Haiti’s earthquake predicted the spread of Cholera by analyzing mobile phone data from two million mobile phones [7].

Want More Data on mhealth and ehealth?
If you are looking for more evidence and inspiration on mhealth/ehealth happening in emerging economies, please read more about the African Strategies for Health (ASH) project. They have published several collections of thought-provoking mhealth/ehealth pilot studies happening in resource poor settings [8].

ASH is implemented by Management Sciences for Health (MSH) in partnership with the three core Africa-based partners: African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Khulisa Management Services, and L’Institut pour la Sante et le Development (ISED, University of Dakar). ASH is a five-year contract funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and seeks to improve the health status of populations across Africa through identification of and advocacy for best practices.

Let’s all contribute to the increasing role “big data” plays in improving health by sharing our data and information, and using it for our global benefit.

Photo credit: www.peekvision.org 
Photo: A new application called PEEK (Portable Eye Examination Kit) puts a number of standard tests on a standard smartphone. The phone’s screen can be used to conduct various vision tests, and all the data can be geotagged using the phone’s built-in GPS, compiled into a patient record, and sent wirelessly to a doctor.