Problem/Objective

The Covid-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc for public health authorities across the globe. In a densely populated country like India, the rapidly spreading virus has vastly outpaced the limited testing capacity of our health infrastructure. Further, the reach of the testing resources is limited and may not be available adequately in the remote parts of the country. Therefore, Wadhwani AI has taken a strategic decision to pause all other work and support the authorities in their Covid-19 response with the help of AI and data science technologies. A triaging tool is being developed with an aim to optimally utilize testing kits and improve reach of testing.

Solution/Approach

Wadhwani AI has been developing an innovative triaging tool that will combine an analysis of solicited cough sounds as an objective measurement along with self-reported symptoms to identify the probable COVID-19 cases. Wadhwani AI has been working with the Government of Bihar, Odisha and developmental partners in Rajasthan and Maharashtra to collect cough and related data needed for the development of the tool. By now, the organization has collected close to 9000 cough sounds and other related data from 3000 probable Covid patients.

Impact/Implementation

Early results emerging from the initial phase of tool development are encouraging. Wadhwani AI is working towards deploying the solution in India and, through a network of partners, to other countries across the world. Once implemented, it will help boost testing in areas with limited resources. 

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