Skyscape, a provider of mobile solutions for the healthcare community, has donated 50 Skyscape-powered Palm handhelds to the Academic Alliance for AIDS Care & Prevention in Africa, a major HIV/AIDS treatment and training center in East Africa.

The Academic Alliance for AIDS Care & Prevention in Africa is the first major HIV/AIDS treatment and training center designed to train Africa’s health professionals on the latest treatment and prevention options for the African population. Until now, African physicians have had to travel to the United States or Europe for special HIV/AIDS training. The new center will allow trainees from all over Africa to attend the programs and return home to train others in the fight against AIDS.

“Skyscape’s donation is particularly appreciated because up-to-date medical references are prohibitively expensive and deteriorate rapidly in the humid tropical climate,” said Naoko Fujii, Executive Director of the Academic Alliance. “Our trainees were thrilled by the Skyscape handheld computers and their usefulness since handheld computers are a luxury that few ever imagine using.”

Skyscape’s medical references are slated to be used by doctors in Africa to treat patients. According to the company, its smARTlink technology enables quick, easy and intuitive use of various data sources simultaneously. With Skyscape, physicians can diagnose illnesses, determine treatment, prescribe medication, identify drug interactions, calculate dosages, and perform the necessary steps involved with patient care.

At least 80 clinicians will be trained each year at the center. A major investment is being made in a modern laboratory that will enable African patients to access the most modern diagnostics and drug treatments. The center aims to establish new standards for the care and treatment of AIDS to be shared throughout the continent. The center will provide treatment to as many as 50,000 HIV/AIDS patients per year.