Challenges of mHealth Implementation in Resource Constrained Settings - The Case of Sahabat Bundaku

mHealth has a vast potential to help alleviate health challenges in developing countries, especially where there is a high growth in ICT adoption. However, many initiatives face various challenges, especially in going beyond the initial pilot funding stage. This paper uses the case of Sahabat Bundaku, a suite of mobile health applications for mother and child health, to illustrate the process and challenges of mHealth development, application and sustainability in resource constrained settings. Key lessons include (1) the importance of having a flexible engagement strategy combining top down and bottom up support, with different aspects of the program needing more support either from the top, or initiative from the frontline actors, (2) the varying needs and capacities, (3) the importance of combining technology introduction with a high-touch, low technology approach, with more face-to-face or physical interaction complementing or easing the way for technology, and (4) the importance of flexible partnership development, with multiple non-exclusive partners ensuring sustainability and growth of different aspects of the mHealth application