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Call for papers - Digital interventions, services, and applications for reducing global health gaps in disadvantaged populations

Guest Editors

Dustin S. Gibson, PhD, MS, Johns Hopkins University, US
Binyam Tilahun, PhD, MPH, University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Submission Status: Open   |   Submission Deadline: 20 December 2024


BMC Global and Public Health is calling for submissions to our Collection on technological innovations for reducing global health gaps in disadvantaged populations. This Collection aims to spotlight transformative research that leverages technology to address health disparities among marginalized and vulnerable communities worldwide.

Meet the Guest Editors

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Dustin S. Gibson, PhD, MS, Johns Hopkins University, US

Dr Dustin S. Gibson, Associate Scientist in the Department of International Health and Center for Global Digital Health and Innovation; director of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data4Health Initiative; and co-director of the Health Systems and Policy MPH concentration at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has over 10 years of research experience working in low- and middle-income countries. He has extensive experience developing, implementing, and evaluating mobile technologies to strengthen and improve health systems in lower-income countries. Dr. Gibson earned his PhD in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.

Binyam Tilahun, PhD, MPH, University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Dr Binyam Tilahun is an Associate Professor of Digital Health and Implementation Sciences, Founding Director of eHealthLab Ethiopia, and Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at the University of Gondar. He worked in digital health for over 15 years on three continents (Europe, North America, and Africa), leading global-level projects. He currently leads different Global Health Informatics projects in the area of Digital Health, Implementation sciences, Big Health Data, and data use with funding from major national and international organizations, including the World Health Organization(WHO), CDC, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Africa CDC, European Union, Ethiopian Ministry of Health and others. He finished his Postdoctoral fellowship in Digital Health Implementation Sciences from the University of British Columbia in Canada and his PhD in Medical Informatics from the University of Münster, Germany. 

About the Collection

BMC Global and Public Health is calling for submissions to our Collection on technological innovations for reducing global health gaps in disadvantaged populations. This Collection, entitled ‘Digital interventions, services, and applications for reducing global health gaps in disadvantaged populations ' and guest edited by Dr Dustin S. Gibson from Johns Hopkins University, US, and Dr Binyam Tilahun from the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, aims to spotlight transformative research that leverages technology to address health disparities among marginalized and vulnerable communities worldwide.

In an era of unprecedented technological advancement, a remarkable opportunity exists to bridge global health gaps and enhance healthcare accessibility for disadvantaged populations. This Collection seeks to showcase innovative research in the following areas:

  • Digital Health Solutions: Exploration of digital platforms, mobile applications, and telemedicine to improve healthcare delivery, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes in underserved communities.
  • Health Information Technologies: Investigations into the role of health information systems, electronic health records, and data analytics in optimizing healthcare management and decision-making for disadvantaged populations.
  • Wearable Technologies and Sensors: Assessments of wearable devices and sensor technologies designed to monitor and manage health conditions, focusing on affordability and applicability in resource-limited settings.
  • Innovative Diagnostic Tools: Development and evaluation of novel diagnostic technologies, point-of-care testing, and low-cost screening methods to enhance early detection and intervention.
  • Community Engagement and Technology: Studies highlighting technology integration in community-based healthcare initiatives, empowering local communities, and fostering sustainable health practices.

We encourage work from local, regional, national and global partnerships and collaboration among scientists from multi-disciplinary fields and using multiple methodologies. We ask that authors be attentive to the use of non-stigmatizing/preferred language in their manuscripts as outlined in relevant language guidelines for their respective fields.

Image credit: Alejandro Franco Garcia / Getty Images / iStock

  2. Young women worldwide face problems like unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Providing sexual and reproductive health education to young women in low- and middle-income countries is a prior...

    Authors: Elizabeth Nkabane-Nkholongo, Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle, Timothy Bickmore, Clevanne Julce, David Thompson and Brian W. Jack
    Citation: BMC Global and Public Health 2024 2:60
    Content type: Research Published on:

Submission Guidelines

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To submit your manuscript, please use the BMC Global and Public Health online submission system, SNAPP, and indicate in your covering letter that you would like the article to be considered for the Digital interventions, services, and applications for reducing global health gaps in disadvantaged populations Collection. If you would like to enquire about the suitability of a manuscript for consideration, please email bmcglobalpublichealth@biomedcentral.com.