Through a pilot program at Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services, the launch of emocha has helped public health workers monitor tuberculosis patients remotely. The advent of video Directly Observed Therapy–a practice that allows patients to record themselves taking medication–helps solve a staffing shortage, combat social issues that stigmatize tuberculosis treatment, and saves public health resources. “She is in the comfort of her home,” says project manager Chima Mbakwem. “We’re not there, but we review this to make sure she takes the medication.” Guam is the first island in the region to implement emocha’s technology.
