Staying connected

The majority of the world's cellphone subscriptions can be found in the developing world, and while we may be using our mobile devices to organize the next big party or just tomorrow's lunch plans, cellphones are working to cure AIDS and build communities elsewhere.

On the most basic economic level, cellphones drive business. In African communities, cash is being recirculated from cellphone user to provider and back around again. It's economics 101 come true: when products are bought and sold within a community, everyone benefits. This worked in Bangladesh and is now beginning to have an impact throughout Africa.

In the Middle East and Africa, women benefit especially from the spread of cellphones. They are able to leave their homes with the aid of cellphones, but are also able to conduct business from home — alleviating the danger and wasted time of traveling.

AIDS is being fought in Nigeria and other African nations through the simple technology of cell phones. With the ability to call hotlines for medical advice and receive reminders via SMS about taking medication, many Africans have gained a better handle on their disease and its management.

“I don’t think in any of our African countries we will be able to wait to have professionals, or to have enough of those people,” said the executive director of UNAIDS. “It is time to reinforce our capacity to use the modern technology differently.”

World crises have demonstrated how Twitter can save the day. Cellphones in developing nations are further evidence of the positive effects of global technology in promoting basic development and ultimately, prosperity,