ITU Launches Ebola Information Sharing App
As Ebola still continues to claim more lives with no cure found yet, the technology world is playing its part by making the information we need about it available to everyone.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has created the ‘Ebola Info Sharing’ app that will make this data accessible to anyone who downloads the app from Google Play and later, iOS as well.
All organisations dealing with the crisis can communicate via the app, and the general population can get more information about the disease and how to prevent it.
IT News Africa reports that the app has an interactive map on it that maps out the Ebola virus’ spread in affected areas.
Speaking at the launch of the app, Brahima Sanou, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau stated that: “With such unprecedented computing power in the palm of our hands it is imperative that we harness mobile technology to serve humanity and especially in combating epidemics. Partnerships are key to the success of a collective global response to fight epidemics like Ebola.”
It’s great to see health innovations like these take place in the tech world, but we’d like to see the scientific world come up with a cure to end Ebola forever! Wishful thinking maybe.
According to the ITU website ‘this password-protected feature is designed for use by organizations involved in the Ebola response. It allows them to store and share useful contacts and participate in an interactive forum to discuss and exchange information. Organizations wishing to use the Application should either complete the sign-up form available on the App or send an e-mail to bdt-mobile@itu.int.’
The Ebola Info sharing app can be used both with internet (at a low bandwidth) or offline and is available in English and French.
Many apps have been made about Ebola, but get the ITU’s Ebola Info Sharing app for Android here.
About ITU
ITU (International Telecommunication Union) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs.
