Mobile app helps fight Ebola

When West Africa was hit by an Ebola outbreak, medical workers and villagers armed themselves with their smartphones and an impressive app to help prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

And of course, Israel’s high-tech masterminds are key contributors behind this project.

While Israeli innovation is known for not staying away from the spotlight, the Israeli-led technology platform Snapp has only recently made headlines for its ground-breaking impact on helping fight the Ebola epidemic.

Snapp, a free app available on IOS and Android systems, allows anyone with an idea to produce a free mobile app directly from a smartphone. And that’s exactly how the all-informative “About Ebola” application came about.

Welcome to the digital age.

The About Ebola app sets out to inform medical workers and residents about the dangers of the virus, including measures for prevention and proper disposal of the deceased who were infected by Ebola.

So far, statistics have shown that natives in affected areas have downloaded the app approximately 5,000 times. While this number clearly indicates the substantial popularity of the app, I think I’m more surprised by the amount of inhabitants who own smartphones, especially in areas plagued by the virus.

Better yet, to make the app as accessible as possible, it’s programmed in several dialects, including Jola, a commonly spoken language in affected areas. 

The toll of tragedy caused by Ebola is on an unfortunate incline – but to say the least, it’s amazing how owning a smartphone can help educate people about precautions and symptoms, which are often mistaken for other viruses.  

With over 4,000 deaths in West Africa reported by WHO (World Health Organization), About Ebola is striving to put the brakes on the epidemic. I’m really hoping that About Ebola helps pave the way for other educational apps in the future. Think about it for a sec, the impact could endless. And Snapp is definitely to thank for this.

But Snapp isn’t just used for Ebola. Though the prevention app has helped Snapp garner some attention, it’s a universal platform that doesn’t require having strong knowledge of programming skills.

This means both my grandmother and tech brainiacs alike can create their own app, so long they own an Android or iPhone.

I have high hopes for Snapp, and am excited to track its progression in the tech world. Perhaps it’s the perfect opportunity to create my own app. Now all I need is a brilliant idea.