An online system developed by IBM researchers will soon be helping health organizations in the Middle East share information quickly and easily. The Public Health Information Affinity Domain (PHIAD), a secure, Web-based portal system, standardizes the sharing of health information and automates analysis of infectious disease outbreaks.
IBM developed the system in collaboration with the Nuclear Threat Initiative's Global Health and Security Initiative and the Middle East Consortium on Infectious Disease Surveillance. It gives public health organizations decision-making tools to implement a fast, effective response to infectious disease outbreaks – even across geographic and political boundaries.
"This collaboration writes the newest chapter in a story of healthcare information technology innovation – innovation that progressively tackles head-on the lack of integration and communication between key players in the healthcare industry worldwide," said Dan Pelino, General Manager, IBM Healthcare & Life Sciences Industry.
The Global Health and Security Initiative championed the development of an infectious disease surveillance system in the Middle East among Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. The partners behind the new system are already advocating that it be used internationally.
"IBM's PHIAD system will enhance the existing regional collaboration at several levels and allow health professionals to stay a step ahead of potentially dangerous disease outbreaks," said Terence Taylor, Nuclear Threat Initiative's Vice President for Global Health and Security.
Learn more:
IBM Helps Public Health Community in the Middle East (video)