By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Epileptic patients are now able to reduce and monitor risks of an attack via a mobile application called Epi App.
The app which was designed as part of the Healthathon, a collaboration between Cimas Health Group and Harare Institute of Technology, which seeks to use artificial intelligence and technology to tackle pressing health issues and provide local solutions.
The mobile application won the first prize of US$1500 awarded to the team comprising Munashe Dube, a Bioengineering student at the University of Zimbabwe, and Lincoln Casette, an Electronics Engineering graduate from the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT).
The innovation aims to provide real-time monitoring for epilepsy patients, potentially reducing the life-altering risks associated with the disorder.
Apparently, Epilepsy, is a neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide and a major public health challenge in Zimbabwe due to limited resources for timely diagnosis and management.
In second place was Astro’s telemedicine platform aimed at improving healthcare access in rural areas which got US$1,000 while in third place was Hypernova’s AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of infectious diseases, earning US$750.
In fourth place was Eskani Systems’ mobile app for medication adherence and patient management, awarded US$500 while fifth placed Dev Bytes’ got US$400 for developing a digital health solution for efficient claims adjudication and fraud detection.
Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services, Dr Beullah Chirume, Permanent Secretary reiterated President Mnangagwa’s call to use technology to the benefit of the generality of Zimbabweans.
Dr Chirume
“Digital technologies must go beyond the use of ICT for social media and entertainment. We must use the infrastructure that my Government is putting in place to improve service delivery in healthcare, education and agriculture, among many other aspects,” Dr Chirume said.
“Technology is not just a tool; it is the lifeblood of our development strategies, especially in sectors like healthcare. From telemedicine to data-driven diagnostics, technology is rapidly transforming how we deliver and access health services.”
Cimas COO Thando Kembo said Healthathon was important in fostering community collaboration for future-proof healthcare solutions.
The CIMAS Healthathon was themed: “Transforming Healthcare: Pioneering Tomorrow’s Health Solutions.”
About Author
