CHARLOTTE, NC – The World Health Imaging Alliance (WHIA) has garnered support from the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) for the alliance's efforts to deliver thousands of sustainable diagnostic digital imaging systems to developing communities around the world.

SIIM has appointed former board member George Bowers to serve as its liaison to WHIA as the two groups identify specific initiatives they can work on together.

"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," said WHIA Chief Executive Officer Ivy Walker. "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."

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 medical conditions such as trauma, chest disease (including tuberculosis), and abdominal ailments. Without diagnostic imaging, many treatable conditions can prove to be debilitating, impairing an individual's quality of life or even become fatal, said Walker. 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 needs to be created to include support for these critical components, while utilizing more modern and advanced imaging technology.

 "WHIA is a most needed and dynamic organization. Access to affordable and sustainable diagnostic imaging has the proven ability to save and improve lives," said SIIM Executive Director Anna Marie Mason. "Because of this, we are excited to help in strengthening the resource network WHIA utilizes to support the deployment and maintenance of best in class imaging systems for these environments."

WHIA currently has pilot sites in South Africa and Guatemala and is identifying prospective sites.