KARACHI: The Aga Khan University (AKU) has launched a mobile app to help people easily evaluate Covid-19 symptoms with an in-home screening tool and educate them on how to take care of themselves, if they are infected with the virus.

The app CoronaCheck uses an interactive chatbot, driven by artificial intelligence, which allows users to understand their symptoms, recognise whether they may have contracted Covid-19 and seek help in a timely manner. It also aims to identify potential coronavirus carriers and limit their risk of transmission.

The app has been jointly developed by the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and the AKU’s Technology Innovation Support Centre. “The coronavirus has placed the country’s healthcare system under tremendous strain with frontline healthcare professionals already working around the clock,” said Saleem Sayani, director of the AKU’s TISC.

“Through this app, we hope to share useful tips that can prevent new cases and provide reassurance to worried citizens during a time of widespread concern.”

The tool has been adopted from the Alberta Health Services and modified to meet the local context and the evolving epidemiology of the disease.

CoronaCheck also seeks to tackle myths and misconceptions by featuring educational videos in Urdu and combat the increasing amount of unverified information circulating on social media platforms.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2020