Updated May 30, 2020
Debbie Rogers
Send MessageHealthAlert disseminates accurate, timeous information to the public via WhatsApp at population scale.
- A verified WhatsApp-based helpline to support users on health queries or concerns, helping to direct them to accurate information sources when required.
- An automated information response that provides answers to the most frequently asked questions and relieves traffic to call centre helplines.
- Machine learning and natural language understanding that enables automatic triage, helping to...
SEE ALLStage 5: Scaling
HealthAlert has been launched at a global level by the World Health Organization to provide information and support to any person using WhatsApp in the world.
COVID-19 Connect was the first country launch of HealthAlert in South Africa by the National Department of Health. Similar launches have been undertaken for Ethiopia, Australia, New Zealand, and Mozambique, with more country launches to follow soon.
Focus Areas:
Health and Communication with Communities
Implemented In:
South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and 3 MoreSEE ALL
2
Key Partners
6
Countries Implemented In
15,000,000
Customers
Problem
Ensuring the public has the best possible health information is crucial during an outbreak. At best, misinformation can distract from critical health prevention support. At worst, it can lead to behaviour that amplifies disease transmission. The novelty of Coronavirus makes the challenge even greater as viral speculation can easily overwhelm the limited information we do have.
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Solution
With countries experiencing a massive need for direct communication about COVID-19, Praekelt.org (using Turn.io) has developed a solution to empower citizens with the right information and support the national response of the health systems that serve them. HealthAlert disseminates accurate, timeous information to the public via WhatsApp at population scale.
Target Beneficiaries
Individuals and national health systems (Ministries of Health).
Mission and Vision
HealthAlert empowers citizens with the right information and supports the national response of the health systems that serve them.
Competitive Advantage
- HealthAlert can be set up and launched quickly, which is particularly important during this pandemic where rapid information dissemination has become critical.
- Turn.io, which is leveraged in HealthAlert, is essential to managing conversations at population scale.
- We can deliver HealthAlert on a probono basis to countries / national health ministries.
- We have also developed HealthCheck, the COVID-19 Digital Risk Assessment and mapping tool, which allows for early detection, mapping and management of COVID-19 cases using the official HealthAlert Service.
- We will also be launching HealthworkerConnect for HealthWorkers on the frontline in need of accurate, up to date information and psychosocial support.
| New Implemented Countries | Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Burkina Faso, Timor-Leste, Uganda, Sierra Leone |
The Team Behind the Innovation
Founded in 2007 by Gustav Praekelt, Praekelt.org empowers vulnerable people to improve their health by facilitating guided conversations that improve health outcomes and health systems. The day-to-day running of the organisation is led by Managing Director, Debbie Rogers.
EXECUTIVE TEAM INCLUDES WOMEN
Milestone
May 2020
Apr 2020
Recognition ReceivedVERIFIED
Apr 2020
New Country Implemented In
Bangladesh
Mar 2020
Mar 2020
New Product Or Service
World Health Organization Health Alert
Mar 2020
New Country Implemented In
South Africa