Global Health Organization PSI Featured on New BBC Health Series

Innovative Tanzanian "SMS for Life" health program highlighted

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A ground-breaking Tanzanian health program that uses mobile phone technology to help save lives is being showcased on BBC's newest health series.

The 26-part series The Health Show reports from around the world, focusing on regions where people are vulnerable to specific health issues. It examines the latest scientific and technological advances and explores new medical insights into the biggest health challenges and dilemmas.

In Africa, malaria kills 800,000 people every year, mainly children under the age of five.

Not having treatment within 24 hours of the onset of fever can be fatal, as many families find out when their local health centres run out of anti-malarial drugs.

SMS for Life in Tanzania uses mobile phones, text messages and electronic mapping technology to improve the chances that all health centres have a constant supply of these life-saving drugs.

SMS for Life in Tanzania is a Roll Back Malaria initiative led by the Tanzanian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with Novartis, the Medicines for Malaria Venture, and with the support of PSI, Swiss Development Cooperation, and Vodacom.

To view the episode, click here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-radio-and-tv-14836731

For more about the work being done in Tanzania on this important initiative visit psi.org.

The Health Show is supported by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and airs on BBC World News on Saturdays at 10:10 and 20:10, and Sundays at 07:10 and 23:10 (all times GMT).

Further information on the BBC series can be found at the website www.bbc.com/healthshow, and audiences can follow The Health Show on www.facebook.com/HealthShow and twitter @healthshow.

About PSI
PSI is a leading global health organization with programs targeting malaria, child survival, HIV, reproductive health and non-communicable diseases. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavior change communications that empower the world's most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives. www.psi.org; Twitter: www.twitter.com/PSIHealthyLives; Blog: www.psi.org/HealthyLives

SOURCE Population Services International

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