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This tech company is developing a touch-less identification system for COVID-19 response
One of the key challenges in responding to the coronavirus outbreak is the need to diagnose people rapidly and accurately, and identify who they have contacted. A Kenyan NGO and a UK technology company have collaborated to develop a new technology solution designed for infectious disease control. DR. Toby Norman, CEO and Co-Founder of Simprints joins CNBC Africa for more.
Mon, 30 Mar 2020 14:26:54 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- The importance of prioritizing patient privacy through informed consent protocols
- The significance of ensuring data security in offline settings for sensitive healthcare data
- The promotion of interoperability to prevent vendor lock-in and ensure long-term data usability
The world is facing a monumental challenge in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, with the urgent need to diagnose people rapidly and accurately while also identifying their contacts. In an effort to address this critical issue, a Kenyan NGO and a UK technology company have come together to develop a groundbreaking technology solution for infectious disease control. Dr. Toby Norman, CEO and Co-Founder of Simprints, discussed this innovative approach in a recent interview on CNBC Africa.
The key theme of the interview centered around the development of a touch-less identification system that could revolutionize patient care and contact tracing in the midst of the pandemic. Dr. Norman emphasized the importance of reliable patient identification in ensuring efficient contact tracing, linking patients to test results, and providing them with the necessary care.
Three key points emerged from the interview: privacy, security, and interoperability. Dr. Norman highlighted the significance of prioritizing patient privacy through informed consent protocols, ensuring data security in offline settings, and promoting interoperability to prevent vendor lock-in.
Regarding privacy concerns, Dr. Norman stressed the need for clear communication with patients about how their data will be used and the importance of conducting detailed data protection impact assessments. He underscored the role of partners like Kamesu in defining the scope of data usage and avoiding scope creep beyond the intended purposes.
An important question raised in the interview was the accessibility of the technology for populations without smartphones. Dr. Norman clarified that the touch-less identification system was designed for health workers in remote and underserved communities, rather than for consumers. This targeted approach aimed to support healthcare workers in conducting disease surveillance and contact tracing effectively.
Dr. Norman also addressed the balance between public health and privacy concerns during the pandemic. He emphasized the critical importance of maintaining patient trust by upholding privacy standards, even in times of crisis. Neglecting privacy could have long-term repercussions on public health initiatives and erode community trust.
In conclusion, Dr. Norman discussed the opportunities for the technology sector to make a positive impact during the pandemic. He encouraged responsible use of technology, such as promoting cashless and contactless methodologies, while also urging the industry to address bottlenecks and work together to combat COVID-19.
As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, innovative tech solutions like the touch-less identification system developed by Simprints and its partners offer a glimpse of hope in the fight against COVID-19. By striking a balance between privacy and public health imperatives, these advancements pave the way for a more efficient and effective response to infectious diseases.
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