Science and Technology: A Catalyst for Improving Human Health in Developing Countries

Science and technology have the potential to make major contributions to the development of medical devices that can help address the highest burdens of diseases in developing countries. This paper examined how science and technology could assist in speeding the development and dissemination of information on new health products that could address the largest health threats in developing countries. The paper investigated the traits needed by such production to have the desired impact. It also reviewed the extent to which some medical devices and processes possess those traits and discuss the potential of science and technology to develop healthproducts,reveal the constrains on product development and the mechanism in overcoming the new health products. Towards understanding the potential of science and technology to develop more new health products to addressing high-burden diseases, it was therefore recommended that there is need to consider the characteristics of diagnostics, drugs, vaccines and medical devices that could most effectively and efficiently address the critical continent health problems. Science and technology should focus on bio-technologies that could help improve health products that are affordable and appropriate to the circumstances of developing countries, using instrument to addressing the most pressing health needs and be appropriate to the health conditions that cause the largest burden of diseases in developing countries of the world.