WHIA/SIIM TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SYSTEMS.

The World Health Imaging Alliance (WHIA) has announced that the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) has agreed to support WHIA in its efforts to deliver thousands of sustainable diagnostic digital imaging systems to developing communities across the globe. Through this new relationship, SIIM has appointed former Board Member George Bowers to serve as the organization's liaison to WHIA as the two groups identify specific initiatives to work together on. Janice Honeyman-Buck, PhD, editor-in-chief of the "Journal of Digital Imaging", has also agreed to assist WHIA in editing "Diagnostic Imaging in the Community: A Manual for Clinics and Small Hospitals", which is a primer on the installation and application of diagnostic imaging in first referral hospitals in developing countries.

"According to the World Health Organization, two thirds of the world's population has little or no access to basic diagnostic x-ray services, which are an essential component of primary health care delivery. WHIA's vision is to facilitate the deployment of these life saving digital medical imaging systems to hospitals, health clinics and other medical facilities in underserved communities. With the assistance of SIIM, we are one step closer to making this vision a reality," said WHIA's Chief Executive Officer, Ivy Walker.

The World Health Organization estimates that there is a need for one diagnostic imaging system for every 50,000 people. These medical imaging services are needed for the diagnosis and management of many medical conditions such as trauma, chest disease (including tuberculosis), and abdominal ailments. Access to imaging services can be life-saving. But without it, many treatable conditions can prove to be debilitating, impairing an individual's quality of life or even become fatal.

Despite decades of efforts aimed at addressing the problem of limited access to diagnostic imaging, little progress has been made. A key reason for this has been the lack of coordination in efforts and funding for sustainable deployment of the affordable technology that exists. Infrastructure needed to be created to include support for these critical components, while utilizing more modern and advanced imaging technology.

This is where WHIA plays an important role coordinating the funding, deployment, training, servicing, and technology research necessary to ensure sustainable, appropriate x-ray systems in the areas of greatest need.

"WHIA is a most needed and dynamic organization. ...