An African medical tablet that enables doctors and health-care workers in rural areas to send results via a mobile-phone connection has won one of the 2014 Rolex Awards for Enterprise.

The Cardio Pad, believed to be Africas first medical tablet, was created by university IT specialist Arthur Zang, who along with four other entrepreneurs from India, Europe and the Middle East, was honoured as a Young Laureate by the awards. The Cardio Pad is designed to enable health-care workers to send results of cardiac tests to specialists via a mobile phone connection, vastly increasing the availability of cardiac health care for those in rural areas.

According to Cameroons Society of Cardiologists, 30 per cent of the countrys population suffer from high blood pressure, and across Africa heart disease is rising due to wealthier lifestyles and greater longevity. However, there are fewer than 50 heart specialists in the country, most of whom are based in large cities like Douala and Yaoundé.

Zangs company Himore Medical will make the Cardio Pad available as part of a complete diagnostic kit for around $2,000 (£1,178), less than half the price of other, less portable, systems. Initially launched in Cameroon, Zang hopes to bring the device to the rest of Africa and other developing nations, as well as set up an integrated network of hospitals and cardiologists to allow comprehensive data management.

Other entrepreneurs recognised by the Rolex Awards for Enterprise include Neeti Kailas, who aims to vastly increase screening for hearing loss in infants across India using a new, easy-to-use device, and Olivier Nsengimana, who has promoted breeding programs for Rwandas endangered grey crowned-cranes.

“After a record number of young applicants this year, we are proud to announce the winners and to support these individuals in developing their inspiring work,” said Rebecca Irvin, head of philanthropy at Rolex. “This years Jury was particularly impressed with the practical approach each is taking to solve real-world problems.”