Click Here & Upgrade PDF Complete Expanded Features Unlimited Pages Documents (d) (e) 2.9 supply to enhance uptake of ICTs; Inadequate ICT literacy skills especially in rural areas; and Lack of integrated approach in rollout of ICTs, energy and other social services infrastructure. HEALTH The potential of ICT in contributing to the efficient and effective performance of the health sector is very high especially in remote diagnosis and treatment. Timely collection, management and dissemination of critical information has significant bearing on the performance of the sector in general. To this extent, the health sector has embarked on reforms that include development of Health Management Information Systems at various levels. Equally important is the Telemedicine programme being initiated as a deliberate effort to maximise the services provided by the few but highly experienced medical personnel whose services can only be extended through technologies such as Telemedicine. Therefore, connectivity of medical institutions to services such as telecommunication and Internet is an important milestone in the use of ICTs in the health sector. Telemedicine also can be used to provide both basic and continuous skills transfer to health professionals. This will help mitigate isolation of health professionals in rural areas. The dissemination of medical information through ICTs will facilitate informed decision-making particularly in hard to reach areas. Some of the challenges in integrating ICTs in the health sector include: (a) (b) (c) (d) The need to improve ICT Infrastructure to support basic communication systems and specialised applications such as telemedicine; Inadequate ICT awareness and skills among health professionals to effectively utilise the ICT tools and services; Inadequate support services for installed ICT equipment especially in rural areas; Incorporating and prioritising ICT in the core business of healthcare delivery. 2.10 TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES The Zambian travel and tourism industry largely depends on the availability of efficient and effective infrastructure across the country. This infrastructure includes roads, power supply, lodges and airports. Above all, telecommunication plays a vital role in the development of such infrastructure and the overall performance of the sector at national, regional and international levels. Specific ICT services such as mobile communications, broadcasting networks, electronic facilities and services add immense value to the desired performance of the sector. Zambia s most famous tourist destination, Livingstone, has seen an increase in communication facilities over the years including international roaming service on major 14