Population Council Research that makes a difference

Improving how health information is gathered and shared

Governments, international organizations, and NGOS need sound evidence to shape health policies and programs that improve lives. By developing innovative ways to gather and share health information, the Population Council is changing the way the world thinks about critical health and development issues.  

• The Population Council’s audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) technology enables individuals to answer sensitive survey questions privately and accurately by listening to prerecorded questions through headphones and using a touch-screen tablet computer to provide answers.
• In Vietnam, Council researchers are helping develop a computerized health records system for 180 health centers in Thai Nguyen Province. The Council will evaluate the success of the transition from manual record-keeping systems and use results to inform health care policy and planning throughout Vietnam.
• Baby Monitor is a mobile phone application in development by the Population Council and partners that uses interactive voice-response technology to identify maternal health complications before and after birth. When a woman signs up to use Baby Monitor, she listens to screening questions and responds by pressing a key on her cell phone. Baby Monitor assesses her responses and, if necessary, sends information, makes referrals, and dispatches a community health worker.

 

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About the Population Council
The Population Council confronts critical health and development issues—from stopping the spread of HIV to improving reproductive health and ensuring that young people lead full and productive lives. Through biomedical, social science, and public health research in 50 countries, we work with our partners to deliver solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world. Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York, the Council is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization governed by an international board of trustees.

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Media contact

Diane Rubino: drubino@popcouncil.org; +1 212 339 0617