Leveraging mobile health applications to improve sexual and reproductive health services in Nigeria: implications for practice and policy

摘要

Universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is crucial for human well-being and is essential to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDG’s) [1]. SRH remains a major healthcare challenge facing Nigeria with evidence of marked inequities in access to SRH services that highlight a wide gap between rich and poor [2]. Nigeria, with an estimated population of 203 million, is the seventh-most populous country in the world [3] and has the fastest growing mobile market on the African continent [4]. Mobile phone subscription in Nigeria reached 180 million in October 2019 with phone penetration (tele density) being as high as 94.5% [5]. Smart phone usage in Nigeria is currently estimated at 40 million and is projected to rise to 140 million by 2025 [6]. Te increasing penetration and use of mobile phones in developing country settings such as Nigeria has led to greater utilization of mobile health (mHealth) which involves the incorporation of mobile phones, tablets and other wireless devices to support the achievement of health objectives [7]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mHealth has the potential to transform how people access health services and achieve higher standard of health and well-being [8].