The Information Network Security Agency (INSA) has launched an integrated Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) monitoring platform. The estimated commercial value of the platform would have been as high as 1.5 million Br if not developed in house.

Launched on March 23, 2020, the web-based platform provides information such as directions to the nearest pharmacies, hospitals, and police stations in the country. Individuals who develop symptoms or were in contact with people with confirmed cases can also give information to the Ministry of Health via the platform.

The system also enables users to report illegal or unauthorized activities, such as large public gatherings. People who are confirmed to be sick with the virus can also follow up on their cases and status through the platform.

The Agency developed the platform to contribute to the fight against the Coronavirus, according to Shumete Gizaw (PhD), director-general at INSA, who dedicated six staff members to developing the platform.

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As a start, the website, which is accessed through the internet and uses GPS, has been launched in Amharic and English.

"We're going to add more languages in the coming days,” said Shumete.

The platform was also made to be used for epidemics that might erupt in the future, according to Biniyam Abebaw, software developer at INSA, which started the process of designing the platform after the first Coronavirus case was reported in Ethiopia on March 13, 2020. As of Friday, March 27, 2020, Ethiopia has 16 confirmed Coronavirus cases.

“During the process of web development, we faced several challenges including getting accurate information from different offices,” Biniyam said.

Thirteen individuals, six from INSA and seven from the Ministry of Health, were deployed to maintain the platform and take the necessary actions once reports are received in addition to their current responsibilities.