Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, a global shift in the prevalence of communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases led to increased mortality rates in the developing world. The situation is further intensified in low to middle-income countries due to major limitations of national health systems. Pakistan faces a similar challenge with many of the population suffering from hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, such that an estimated 2,000 people die each day from a serious cardiovascular event. The 2010 Global Burden of Disease data predicted over 3 million premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases by 2025.

The Aga Khan Development Network Digital Health Resource Centre (dHRC) in collaboration with the Department of Medicine at the Aga Khan University, designed and developed Meri Shifa (meaning ‘My Health’ in Urdu). The platform was conceived as a part of a pilot feasibility study funded by The George Institute for global Health.

Meri Shifa can be accessed through a mobile app or web portal, and assists in the early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in individuals at risk, through screening, referrals, treatment, and lifestyle modifications. The app facilitates convenient, real-time management of patients and generates real-time reports. It can also function in online and offline modes, allowing access around the clock.

The pilot study is being undertaken in the Union Council of the Malir Town in Karachi. AKDN dHRC developed robocalls and SMS using content of the Department of Medicine at AKU to invite participants to enroll in the study.

The mobile based application encompasses several questionnaires. Based on the answers, the integrated Artificial Intelligence feature categorises each participant into low, moderate, or high risk groupings. All information is saved offline and synchronised with the central server when connected to the web. Moderate to high risk individuals undergo further clinical investigations and teleconsultation through the app. lifestyle change messages are sent to all participants to ensure on-going support.

This pilot study aims to demonstrate feasibility and leverage the power of mHealth in collaboration with one of the largest healthcare systems in Pakistan, to provide an early preventive health care plan with potential national impact to inform policy and practice. The pilot project will capitalise on an existing infrastructure of 270 laboratories and 16 integrated medical centres across Pakistan.