A health researcher says mobile phone technology has the potential to improve access to health care and reduce inequalities in the Pacific region.
A University of Auckland Master of Public Health graduate, Elaine Umali, says mobile technology and signal strength are improving in the region and more people have mobile phones.
She says there are a range of ways cell phones can be used in the health sector.
"For instance in health promotion, people will have access to information, people will know what to do if they have certain symptoms. It can also help in like data collection and reporting. And even like just the provider training and education like front line health workers."
Elaine Umali says cell phones are not a silver bullet solution for care if core health infrastrucure is weak.
