Designing Devices for Vulnerable Populations: What Needs to Change?

Abstract

The health and well-being of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless communities are often at risk due to political, logistical, and security challenges associated with providing adequate and timely medical aid to the deserving groups [1]. These challenges are further exacerbated by the absence of context-appropriate technologies that can aid in diagnosis, management, and treatment of life-threatening illnesses. The health challenges faced by forcibly displaced communities are a product of unique factors ranging from conflict to climate change and are further complicated by the living conditions and the surrounding environment [2]. In these situations, there is a need for technologies that are safe, effective, reliable, unbiased, and appropriate for the cultural and economic context.