mTikka is an electronic, cloud- based system for infant registration, vaccination recordkeeping, incentivization, and survey of vaccination beliefs. mTikka will focus on the poorest and hardest to reach segments of the population, helping to identify (in real-time) regions where vaccine coverage is limited, and to permit community-based, targeted interventions that will increase the reach of immunizations. Vaccine workers (VWs) will use the mTikka application loaded on low-cost smart phones to register an infant at birth.

This new course at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health explores eHealth and mHealth in Low and Middle- Income Countries (LMIC). Students consider practical approaches to assess appropriate application of information and communication technologies to solve public health problems and improve health. Students also identify and discuss challenges for developing and deploying eHealth and mHealth systems. Through analysis of case studies and interactions with practitioners, students assess and articulate requirements for eHealth and mHealth systems.

The Center is using mHealth as a tool for lifestyle behavior change and as a physician extender. A grant is pending review at the McKesson Foundation to perform a RCT of mHealth for weight loss and related lifestyle changes through community churches in East Baltimore among adults at high risk of type-2 diabetes.  Currently the Center is using PDAs in a study of dieting behaviors in patrients with type-2 diabetes.

Principal Investigator: Lawrence Cheskin 

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mHealth Powered aims to leverage smartphones and text messaging for behavior modification. The project received national recognition from Health 2.0 and the National Cancer Institute for smartphone app development. The project's platform is currently in use for research by the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Clinic.

The Bellagio Document is an outline of strict criteria by which the effectiveness of worldwide eHealth/mHealth interventions can and should be evaluated.

Developing a base of evidence on the efficacy of mobile health has been a goal since inception for the Text4baby program. Text4baby’s power lies in its ability to get the most essential health information to mothers in need quickly and easily using a technology they regularly use and rely on. The goals of the Text4baby evaluation acknowledge the importance of assessing the efficacy of mobile health interventions, both as they apply to maternal and child health and how such technology can be used to address other health issues facing underserved populations.