Ericsson announced that it will be a founding member of the Advisory Board of the Digital He@lth Initiative (DHI), a multi-stakeholder partnership aimed to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for health through the utilization and promotion of digital health solutions. Under the guiding principle of "technology for equity," Ericsson will provide strategic guidance and direction to help DHI leverage information and communication technologies to dramatically improve health care in even the poorest of countries.
The Advisory Board will be comprised of a small group of global leaders from the private sector, foundations and civil society with expertise in the fields of health, development and technology. Carl-Henric Svanberg will serve on the Advisory Board throughout his remaining tenure at Ericsson; whereupon, Hans Vestberg, CFO and incoming CEO of Ericsson, effective January 1, 2010, will continue serving the board position after assuming the role of Ericsson CEO.
"We live in a unique time where great technological advancements have exponentially driven communication and healthcare innovation such as the world has never seen," said Svanberg "It is critical we harness these successes and apply them in ways that benefit all mankind. The DHI, which brings together the health and the ICT sectors, provides an excellent platform for global leaders in these fields to collaborate on solving major healthcare issues and Ericsson is honored to be a part of it."
The DHI Advisory Board position continues Ericsson's involvement with initiatives aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Most recently, Ericsson was recognized with an innovative industry contribution award by Global Telecoms Business magazine for its work with the Millennium Villages Project (MVP). Under the MVP, Ericsson is providing telecom infrastructure, mobile applications and expertise to connect African villages with each other to help stimulate communication, development and commerce. M-health is a key focus area of Ericsson's involvement in the Millennium Villages. Ericsson also works with e-health and m-health in many other markets around the world.
