During the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing is crucial to limiting transmission, Palestinian refugees have leveraged innovative fitness app development to access online healthcare networks through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This digital health initiative has empowered refugees to take control of their well-being by receiving reminders to manage medications, track blood pressure, and engage in regular exercise. Moreover, users can conveniently check test results and communicate with healthcare providers.
"At our health centres, we utilize two cutting-edge applications – Electronic Mother and Child Health (e-MCH) and Non-Communicable Disease (e-NCD) – which allow registered beneficiaries to access their electronic health records through the UNRWA e-Health system," explained Hanaa Lubad, a senior staff nurse at the UNRWA Saftawi Health Centre. "These applications provide health awareness materials accessible in Arabic, making it possible for our beneficiaries to take informed decisions about their healthcare."
"The applications have enabled us to educate our beneficiaries on risk perceptions, behaviors, and existing barriers, as well as provide them with accurate information tailored to their circumstances," added Hanaa.
Mobile healthcare app user Asmaa Abu Sa’da shared her personal experience: "The [e-MCH] application provided me with valuable insights on good nutrition and physical exercises necessary during pregnancy. I also appreciate having an electronic copy containing accurate information that doctors can use without the need for hard copies of my previous test results or new tests. After giving birth, I'm using the app to track my daughter's vaccination appointments and monitor her growth according to the application charts."
During the pandemic crisis, Asmaa receives instructions that raise awareness and guide her on correct behavior in case any family members or she exhibit symptoms, as well as protective measures to adhere to. The app also enables her to contact the health centre and seek medical advice without visiting a healthcare facility.
The UNRWA e-Health system has been implemented with financial support from the government of Japan and assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This initiative underscores the importance of fitness app development in promoting universal health coverage (UHC) during times of crisis.
"As the global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted, UHC plays a vital role in saving lives," said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed in her video message to an online event on the significance of UHC from the perspectives of the Sustainable Development Goals and the role of the United Nations.