The World Health Organisation in a bid to combat the scourge of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa is seeking a tech-enabled solution through virtual hackathons by offering $20,000 funding to tech startups.
WHO’s Technical Officer, Moredeck Chibi explained that the WHO-AFRO Digital Hackathon series will focus on Africa. With several applications already received, the first challenge was completed earlier this month.
The United Nation agency had selected participants through online applications, splitting them into groups via videoconferencing app, Zoom.
The selected participants were tasked to create concepts around response strategy, which includes infection prevention and control, case management, surveillance and continuity of health services. All these align with the WHO’s response strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Ghanaian Entrepreneur, Laud Basing, led the winning group which was funded to the tune $10,000 to pilot its concept. The group had designed a screening tool concept which is enabled by a mobile app or USSD code.
According to TechCrunch, the concept maps COVID-19 test cases, classify them according to the risk and provide data to national authorities to plan responses.
WHO will also support in locating additional funding and expertise. In the coming weeks, the second hackathon challenge will be held for Francophone countries in Africa. The Hackathon series is expected to help African countries manage the virus outbreak better, as the number of confirmed cases is lower than what is obtainable in Europe and the United States.
