Automated Testing Service of COVID-19 Symptoms with Sign Language Chatbot Using AI

01

INTRO

Within the framework of the cooperation between MCIT, UNDP and Avayaan, Egypt launched automated testing service of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) symptoms through a chatbot that uses the sign language, capitalizing on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The service is enabled to the deaf and hard of hearing through Wasel mobile application and Tamkeen website.

SDGs

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Reduce inequality within and among countries

Methodolgies

Artificial Intelligence

Countries

Egypt

Funded

No

Start Date

05/01/2020

End Date

02

MULTIMEDIA

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, 7 million Egyptians with disabilities are among the most vulnerable groups. How can they test their symptoms? How can they access reliable information, know about symptoms and assess whether they need assistance? Wasel, which means in Arabic connected, is an automated testing service that uses chatbot and artificial intelligence technology in sign language to enable access to information for the hearing impaired. It is the first in Africa and in the Middle East to use sign language chatbot technology. Wasel has provided a platform for the persons with hearing impairments to test their symptoms through the online application. Following the World Health Organization (WHO) and Egypt’s Ministry of Health protocol, the chatbot asks the user a number of questions using sign language. The service is available 24/7, including providing support to those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, through connecting them to the responsible government agency to receive the necessary care.

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MORE INFO

UNDP, Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Avaya, were able to develop and launch the accessible chatbot, which is now available on Tamkeen, official accessible platform for the Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for persons with disabilities, Google Play and soon on Apple Store. The application also provides subtitles in English and Arabic to accommodate for different users.

Partners

Egypt Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

Avaya

More Projects

Quotes

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The main tenet of design thinking is empathy for the people you’re trying to design for. Leadership is exactly the same thing – building empathy for the people that you’re entrusted to help.

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We spend a lot time designing the bridge, but not enough time thinking about the people who are crossing it.

Dr. Prabhjot Singh, Director of Systems Design at the Earth Institute

It’s not ‘us versus them’ or even ‘us on behalf of them.’ For a design thinker it has to be ‘us with them'.

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Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator

When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors

Failure is an option here. if things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.

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The way to get good ideas is to get lots of ideas and throw the bad ones away.

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Richard Feynman, Noble Prize Winning Physicist