By Alistina Shrestha
25 April 2024: Happy International Girls in ICT Day! Today, as we celebrate the remarkable contributions of young girls to Information and Communications Technology (ICT), we are reminded of their pivotal role in driving innovation, shaping the digital landscape, and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. This day holds profound significance as we honor the achievements of those who continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of technologists. As we celebrate this occasion, it is fitting to shine a spotlight on groundbreaking research that exemplifies the spirit of girls in ICT. One such example is the pioneering work of Ms. Htet Yamin Ko Ko, an innovative project set to revolutionize healthcare technology and improve access to quality care for communities worldwide.
Ms. Htet Yamin Ko Ko is a Ph.D. student in the Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems Program. Along with her adviser, Dr. Nitin Kumar Tripathi, she is leading a dissertation on improving healthcare technology by developing a Remote Heart Patient Monitoring and Diagnostic Support System (HPM&DSS).
High-powered computing facility of RSGIS Department
Inspired by a commitment to utilize technological progress for the betterment of society, Ms. Ko Ko’s project exemplifies the profound impact of innovation in tackling healthcare issues. Through her tireless efforts, she is advancing the frontiers of science and paving the way for a more equitable and compassionate world. The project is motivated by recent advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including low-cost sensors and smart wearables, which can record vital healthcare data remotely. The primary objective of the HPM&DSS is to enhance healthcare management for chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and arrhythmia while addressing barriers to healthcare access in remote areas. Using IoT technology, the system aims to reduce the need for recurrent hospitalizations and medical visits, thereby improving patient outcomes and resource utilization.
Data gathering activities by Ms. Koko
The research’s key contributions encompass several aspects. Firstly, successful protocol implementation ensures high-quality healthcare delivery at a reduced cost, emphasizing two-way communication between doctors and patients. Moreover, developing an Android application enables the collection and storage of patient medical information, which is then transmitted seamlessly to a web interface, allowing healthcare practitioners to monitor it in real time. Furthermore, by integrating an alarm system that utilizes machine learning classifiers, medical professionals are promptly notified of irregularities including hypotension, hypertension, fever, and hypothermia. In this regard, the Logistic Regression model exhibits exceptional efficacy in generating timely and precise alerts. In addition, implementing a low-cost, real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system detects atypical cardiac ailments by capturing signals from ubiquitous sensors. In summary, the study demonstrates the feasibility of remote care monitoring for patients in distant areas, presenting a resolution emphasizing affordability, accuracy, convenience, and real-time monitoring functionalities.
Data gathering with sensor set up on the subject
As we celebrate International Girls in ICT Day, Ms. Ko Ko’s journey inspires aspiring technologists, particularly girls who dare to dream big and strive for technological excellence. Her dedication and passion for making a difference epitomize the spirit of young girls in ICT, and her work stands as a shining example of the transformative potential of technology when wielded with purpose and compassion.
On this momentous occasion, let us applaud Ms. Htet Yamin Ko Ko and extend our heartfelt wishes for the success of her endeavors. May her pioneering work inspire countless others to follow in her footsteps and harness the power of technology for the betterment of society.
International Girls in ICT Day is an annual event celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April to encourage and empower girls and young women to pursue careers in information and communication technologies (ICT). The event aims to raise awareness about the gender gap in the ICT sector and inspire girls to consider ICT-related careers.
International Girls in ICT Day provides an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of women who have made remarkable strides in various domains of ICT. This year’s theme for the Girls in ICT Day celebrations is “Leadership, ” which underscores the critical need for strong female role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.
