By Muyiwa Lucas
West Blue Consulting, an ICT firm with bias for delivering innovative tech-based solutions to public and private sector entities in Africa, has rolled out an Epidemic Response Hub on behalf of the Ekiti State.
The Epidemic Response Hub is a public health surveillance tool that monitors disease outbreak and disseminates geospatial information to policy makers and the public, with the aim of curbing spread of diseases.
Sponsored by the government to combat COVID-19 spread, the platform enables real time capture, storage and analysis of public health data, such as location and current occupancy rates of medical facilities, interactive maps showing where outbreaks occur, as well as real-time contact tracing.
The hub, launched by Governor Kayode Fayemi, has helped health officials to monitor and manage the coronavirus, with residents able to access critical health care information.
Through the platform, accessible via an Internet enabled device, the public can report suspected cases, and self-diagnose using the hub’s self-assessment tool. The hub provides a gateway through which users can donate in support of humanitarian causes.
Founder of West Blue Consulting Valentina Mintah said: “Serving the public has been a core value of West Blue since 2012 and we are proud to support Ekiti State in its fight against COVID-19.
West Africa, like other regions of the world, faces extreme public health challenges caused by the Coronavirus. West Blue has harnessed its unique IT expertise to develop a bespoke and highly customised digital platform to help curb spread of the disease…
Mintah explained that “the Epidemic Response Hub includes a social mobilisation tool that allows the public to donate funds and goods to entities distributing aid and resources to those in need. It is a one-stop-platform that enables state officials and the public to work closely to prevent spread of the disease, and protect the vulnerable.”
The hub also enables traders and retailers to apply for official permits to reopen stores selling essential goods. Applicants are provided with a code that can be verified by authorised persons when conducting safety checks.
Mark Addo, chief executive officer of West Blue added: “The Epidemic Response Hub is the first … in West Africa, and has been developed to support the response to highly contagious diseases, such as Lassa fever, cholera, measles, Ebola and COVID-19 disease. What sets this tool apart is its accessibility, combined with its ability to facilitate interactivity between state health authorities and the public, thereby enhancing health service delivery and information sharing.”
The Epidemic Response Hub signals the expansion of West Blue into the public health sector.
- THE NATION