Ghanaian health startup Redbird (formerly Redbird Health Tech) has launched a Coronavirus Daily Check-in App and Symptom Tracker to counter the spread of the virus in the African continent.
Accessible as a browser-based app via covid19.redbird.co, Redbird’s COVID-19 check-in app is a way for every person to self-report symptoms or the lack of it tagged to their phone number and location. All this can be done without having the need to visit a healthcare facility and thereby aiding in social distancing.
Mapping out COVID-19 heat maps
The solution will enable public health officials from Ghana Health Service to see a real-time map of where patients are self-reporting symptoms basis the data input, in order to follow-up directly with high-risk patients. This provides them with a digital alternative to the overwhelmed hotlines for triage and follow-up.
Through this platform, Redbird will provide hospitals with digital record keeping and remote triage potential to keep unnecessary patients from coming to the hospital and putting themselves and others at risk. This will also pave the way for sample collection and test scheduling to minimize unnecessary patient interactions.
“These remain trying times all over the world, but we’re also seeing an incredible validation of everything we’ve been built at Redbird and we’re not letting that slip by. With limited testing resources, understanding where the risk is and how to reach those at risk is of great importance. We have been looking at how to support public health with the data and the COVID-19 Daily Check-in App and Symptom Tracker is one such way.”, said Patrick Beattie, CEO and Co-Founder, Redbird.
Redbird has been offering health monitoring services and conducting diagnostic tests for blood pressure, malaria, anaemia, hepatitis B, cholesterol, etc. via pharmacies. It was funded by US-based impact investor Gray Matters Capital through its gender lens portfolio – coLABS in July 2018.
At present, the app works in the U.S. and Ghana, but Redbird plans to roll out the solution to other countries in Africa including Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa next week.
“As of Wednesday we hope to have it live for Ghana, U.S., Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa”, said Patrick as he indicates his next move to network with the governments and public healthcare bodies in these countries.
