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Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence Technology for Novel Coronavirus Disease-19 Self-Testing
Tivani P Mashamba-Thompson1, Ellen Debra Crayton2
1Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, Limpopo Province 0727, South Africa.
Insights
A novel, low-cost system using blockchain and artificial intelligence for self-testing and tracking can help manage COVID-19 and emerging infectious diseases, especially in resource-limited areas.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Health Informatics
Background:
- COVID-19 transmission and mortality rates are rising, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems globally.
- Resource-limited settings face unique difficulties due to overburdened healthcare and inadequate disease surveillance systems.
- Existing infrastructure may be insufficient to manage the widespread impact of emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Discussion:
- A proposed integrated system leverages blockchain and artificial intelligence for cost-effective COVID-19 self-testing and tracking.
- This technological approach offers a tailored strategy to address the specific needs of low-resource environments.
- The system aims to enhance disease surveillance and control, mitigating the impact on vulnerable populations.
Key Insights:
- Blockchain and AI integration can create a robust, decentralized system for disease management.
- Self-testing and tracking capabilities empower individuals and improve data collection efficiency.
- The proposed solution is designed for scalability and adaptability to various infectious disease outbreaks.
Outlook:
- Successful implementation could significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission and mortality in underserved regions.
- This model provides a sustainable framework for managing future public health emergencies.
- Further research and pilot programs are recommended to validate the system's effectiveness and optimize its deployment.
Abstract:
The novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading with a rising death toll and transmission rate reported in high income countries rather than in low income countries. The overburdened healthcare systems and poor disease surveillance systems in resource-limited settings may struggle to cope with this COVID-19 outbreak and this calls for a tailored strategic response for these settings. Here, we recommend a low cost blockchain and artificial intelligence-coupled self-testing and tracking systems for COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases. Prompt deployment and appropriate implementation of the proposed system have the potential to curb the transmissions of COVID-19 and the related mortalities, particularly in settings with poor access to laboratory infrastructure.
