Covistics

Covistics is addressing the dearth of access to testing for rural populations during pandemics.  This solution empowers community and public health stakeholders to manage the timely and safe transport of bio hazardous samples from remote collection centers to centralized laboratories in Nigeria.  This digital solution not only addresses the immediate sample deployment needs during a pandemic, but also provides a sustainable solution thereafter for routine testing of biological samples. The application tracks the life cycle of anonymized samples, enabling public and authorized private labs, healthcare centers, and the government to more effectively plan the utilization of their resources by connecting all stakeholders in the same virtual environment.  Additionally, it provides a platform for stakeholders to communicate with one another during the sample life cycle and to receive point in time progress updates. 

We seek to address the rapid response issue that exists during disease outbreaks.  This issue is especially acute when attempting to reach communities in rural and remote areas in low and middle-income countries where rapid medical testing is difficult due to poor infrastructure. We seek to pilot our solution initially in Nigeria.  As of June 16, 2020, 96,402 samples have been tested there.  As the infection continues to spread beyond major cities, the Nigeria Centre of Disease Control (NCDC) aims to establish 37 molecular laboratories (an increase from the original 5) - one in each state and territory of Nigeria - and test about 2 million people in the next 3 months by expanding the testing capacity through partnerships with private laboratories. Currently, the total number of public and private active laboratories is 38 in 24 states.  However, most of these labs are centralized in urban areas creating a bias in testing.  Therefore, this expansion of testing capacity and testing bias creates a demand for a systematic logistic solution to link urban areas (where most labs tend to be located) with remote areas not just to address the present COVID-19 pandemic but also future pandemics in Africa. 

Sources:
https://reliefweb.int/report/nigeria/expanding-covid-19-tests-africa-s-most-populous-nation
https://businessday.ng/coronavirus/article/what-ncdcs-partnership-with-private-labs-means-for-nigerias-covid-19-effort/

A proprietary digital solution will be developed to connect all stakeholders in the sample testing process in African countries.  During the initial Nigeria pilot stakeholders include but are not limited to the Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre of Disease Control (NCDC), Hospitals/Tertiary Care Centers, Primary Health Centers, laboratories, and logistics companies. The application will track the life cycle of the patient samples, enabling labs and health care facilities to more effectively plan and anticipate the utilization of their resources by connecting all stakeholders in the same virtual environment.  Potential features include: enabling users to request delivery/pick-up of tested and untested samples; tracking the sample journey from collection points such as isolation centres and households to reference laboratories and centralized centres; recommending optimal pick-up/drop-off times and routes; and facilitating communication among personnel involved during the various activities, such as nurses responsible for performing the test and secure packaging, drivers responsible for carrying the samples from one location to the other, laboratory staff receiving or disseminating samples or sample kits respectively, government agencies such as NCDC, State Ministry of Health to analyze trends and assess levels of infection, etc. An integrated virtual environment will simplify operations and timely identify process bottlenecks.

Our solution serves vulnerable populations in Africa located in remote rural areas, which are often neglected in government responses to pandemics due to poor accessibility.

We plan to start by implementing our idea during this current CoVID pandemic in Nigeria. After implementing our idea, we will continue adapting our system for disease surveillance with private institutions such as the African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) and government agencies such as Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Ministry of Health.  With these partners, we can work to detect, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics .

In order to understand the needs of both the local people in remote areas and public health stakeholders, we have engaged in a series of meetings with members of NCDC (public health department of the country) and ACEGID (a testing facility). In addition, one of our advisors is the director of ACEGID who will be leading a surveillance project called SENTINEL to predict future pandemics after this pandemic is over.

Our solution addresses public health security as it helps stakeholders in the pandemic to conduct sample testing in an effective manner.  During global pandemics, low income countries in Africa are among the most vulnerable.  In particular, carrying out pandemic strategies for the preparation, detection, and response in remote and vulnerable areas is important but difficult in such countries. By leveraging existing medical facilities and logistics companies, this solution can optimize the utilization of these resources to provide the necessary medical care.  This will promote healthy communities that in turn can continue with its usual activities - economic, educational, etc.

Our solution’s foundation is based on the following pillars: 

1. Community Empowerment: The solution connects already existing local organizations and stakeholders from healthcare, government, and logistics in a virtual environment for effective management of disease outbreaks in the community. This infuses self-reliance in the people and evolves the system to become inherently resilient and act as an integrated system as opposed to multiple disjointed efforts. 

2. Sustainable adoption beyond COVID-19: The present pandemic circumstances have urged the various government, non-profit, national, and international partners to join hands faster than usual to provide support and build operations. Our solution will solidify the operations into a formal system that can be adopted to combat future outbreaks as well as carry out regular monitoring of the communities across the nation

3. Technological enablement: The underlying technology will allow for quick and convenient communication and information transfer between all participants involved in the testing, collection, and shipment of samples from collection sites to reference laboratory hubs to state-level molecular laboratories. 

There are remote labs such as 54 Gene, Flying Doctors, European Mobile Laboratory (EMLab) Consortium that are now being established to increase local, on-site testing and lab processing.  These solutions offset the demand for our solution since the testing, and laboratory analysis will be done at a more local level, reducing the distance traveled and need for a logistics network. We anticipate that overall the demand for our integrated digital solution will still be highly relevant given the centralized response to the pandemic led by the government.

Sources:
https://ghpp.de/en/news/news-detail/news/nigeria-deploys-its-mobile-laboratory-to-delta-state-for-diagnostic-of-sars-cov-2covid-19-module/
https://reliefweb.int/report/world/african-innovators-join-fight-against-covid-19
https://www.54gene.com/
https://africanbusinessmagazine.com/sectors/health-sectors/covid-19/nigerian-tech-steps-up-to-boost-covid-19-testing/

The solution is an application software (web app initially and mobile app later) that will serve as a platform to facilitate seamless transportation and tracking of patients samples throughout the journey from collection sites to testing laboratories.  It enables collection center staff to notify the transportation companies for sample pick up and delivery. The system will be accessible to all stakeholders on the platform for monitoring the shipment and invoke emergency response or support if required. This system will integrate existing APIs of transportation companies. A QR code attached to the sample container can be scanned at the origin destination and again at the intermediary and final destination for additional secure tracking. The application will also allow for communication between individuals involved in the process.  When the package reaches its final destination, feedback is provided to all stakeholders on the app and the journey of those samples is terminated.  Core technologies for Version 1 will include web based applications, instant messaging, GPS and QR code technologies. For Version 2, core technologies will include mobile application software and GIS mapping software for real-time tracking which will ultimately replace QR code scanning in future. GIS mapping can also allow for route optimization and other useful features.

Our solution will utilize similar technology to e-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt and Lyft. These services are well known in many parts of the world and they make use of web and mobile based application software as well as GIS mapping technology, which we plan to use for our product. Our application will also include communication and alert functionalities which are comparable to Uber and Bolt’s instant messaging technology and features such as push notifications and data storage for transactions. The ubiquitous presence and proven performance of these technologies make them trustworthy solutions to adopt and implement.  Users should also find the platform easy and intuitive to navigate.

Testing for the current COVID-19 pandemic in rural and remote areas in Nigeria is scarce due to an unsystematic sample collection system from health care facilities to laboratories.  This is further complicated by poor road infrastructure within the country.  This digital solution will also be leveraged for routine testing and future pandemic outbreak testing. 

The output will be increased access to healthcare services and pandemic testing for patients in remote rural areas.  By connecting logistics companies to health care facilities that conduct sample testing, the people living in remote and rural areas can have improved access to testing. The government health response efforts can improve by establishing a more organized and formalized transportation system, reducing the burden of logistical coordination among stakeholders.

The desired outcome of implementing this solution is the improved health and economic well-being of Nigerians.  With less infectious diseases spreading throughout communities, they can continue to engage in the economic and other productive activities that improve their overall health and quality of life. 

We extended a preliminary idea concept survey to people from Nigerian states in the age-groups of 18-44 to assess local communities' willingness to participate in the transportation of patient samples. Overall, more men took the survey than women in the target age groups. 99% of the survey post viewers were using their mobile phones. Geographically, the posts were viewed more in the most populous states of Nigeria such as Lagos, Kano and others. Out of the 79 survey responses received between 30 May to 8 June 2020, 13 respondents or 16% agreed that there is a need for a system that transports medical samples to remote rural areas. The remaining 84% did not attempt the question indicating either incomplete participation in the survey or lack of status quo awareness. There were no negative responses recorded. 36 respondents were willing to transport (on foot/by bike/by car/other) safely packed samples containing the COVID-19 virus from their community to the centralized testing lab for monetary compensation. 15 respondents chose not to attempt the question whereas the rest expressed reluctance to undertake transportation themselves.

Since the initial pilot will focus on Nigeria, the solution will initially target that population.  As of the 2006 Nigerian census, there were 139 million people in Nigeria (numbers below are based on this statistic).  2020 estimates indicate the population is at 206 million.

Current number of people serving: 0. Given that we are in the concept stage and a pilot has not yet begun, our solution is not currently serving anyone.

Current number of people serving in 1 year:  4 million. There are on average 4 million people per state in Nigeria.  If our service reaches 1 state within a year, there will be approximately 4 million people impacted as their local healthcare facilities will have increased access to sample testing.

Current number of people serving in 5 years:  139 million (entire population).  Within 5 years, it is anticipated that this solution will be omnipresent throughout Nigeria.  Also, the team anticipates to have expanded to another African country (to be determined) by this point, so the expected impact will be even larger.

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nigerian_states_by_population https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/nigeria-population/

The below details outline the expected plans and impact of this solution.

Plans for developing and rolling out the business are as follows:

Within the next year, the team intends to build the prototype and a beta version of the website/app.  We expect to develop and officialize partnerships within Nigeria in order to launch a pilot test/study in one area within one state in Nigeria.  Throughout this pilot, feedback will constantly be collected and incorporated into product improvements.  The team will also continue to build partnerships with other states for future expansion.  The solution’s coverage will be expanded throughout the pilot study state and primed to expand to other states.  Once the pilot program culminates, findings will be summarized and analyzed, and product changes will be incorporated into an improved version for the expansion to more states.

Within 5 years, the team expects to have nationwide coverage and presence in all states of Nigeria.  This will be possible through the continuous adaptation of the product in accordance with health care stakeholder’s needs and the strength of the partnerships created.  Furthermore, the solution may incorporate other healthcare services or product offerings as necessary. While operations are expanding in Nigeria, the team also expects to expand into other African countries (to be determined).  We will take the same approach by reaching out to major stakeholders in the healthcare system.

We expect there to be many barriers in accomplishing our goals within the next five years.  The following list includes a few of them.

1. Funding for pilot, product development, and ongoing operations

2. Coordinating with logistics companies - in regards to aligning technology and logistical operations

3. Adoption by healthcare workers

4. Creating strategic partnerships with state ministries and local and international organizations involved in the pandemic response administration

5. Building appropriate technology given poor internet coverage and telecom connectivity in remote areas

Funding: We have been exploring funding options by researching various grants that offer support to entrepreneurial endeavors at the concept/ideation phase sponsored by profit and non-profit organizations.  We will also research funding sources for the pandemic responses in Africa.

Logistics companies: We will collaborate with logistics companies in creating a system that does not disrupt, conflict with, or complicate the existing logistics infrastructure.  Additionally, we will understand how the current flow of operations and prioritization of delivery is managed so that our needs can be seamlessly integrated. We are leveraging a local network of friends, colleagues and acquaintances of existing team members to get advice and feedback from logistics companies such as Aramex who have a significant operational presence in Nigeria.

Healthcare worker adoption: We have spoken to a laboratory focal individual who is actively participating in the sample collection process at a reference laboratory in Nigeria. We will continue to connect with more health care professionals who can help us identify the gaps in the system and what their needs are.

Strategic partnerships: We have so far connected with professionals involved in the direct pandemic response efforts at Nigeria Centre of Disease Control who have expressed a keen interest in our solution.

Technology and connectivity:  We have initiated discussions with a cloud technology provider with leadership in architecting digital solutions for many existing successful e-hailing companies.

There are currently 8 members on our team.  7 of members are the original co-founders of the project since the MIT COVID-19 Hackathon, where the idea was conceptualized.

Our team represents six nationalities and brings diverse experiences from medical research, data science, computer science, user experience, and financial services.  The balanced and diverse team enables us to approach tasks and challenges from various perspectives and leverage each member’s expertise.

One of the team members has worked with African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Disease (ACEGID) and is involved with COVID-19 research in Africa. His experiences and network has enabled the team to make invaluable connections with potential partners in Nigeria.

While we do not have any official partnerships, we are in contact with the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).  In partnership with the NCDC, we hope to launch a pilot program.

This solution will be valuable to the pandemic responses within African countries.  It will enable health care providers and ministries to focus on its strategic goals in combating the pandemic instead of worrying about logistical access to rural populations.  This can also increase their confidence in having nationwide control over the spread of the disease as more samples, and consequently, data will be collected.

The Ministry of Health, NCDC, primary and tertiary care providers, and private and public laboratories will be the major beneficiaries in this solution. The on-demand integrated medical samples logistics service will bring ease of testing, monitoring and preparedness to these stakeholders.  It will allow them to effectively track the sample status and communicate with all stakeholders throughout the process to ensure rapid testing and processing. Not only is this beneficial to the healthcare stakeholders, but also to communities that may not have received adequate testing otherwise.

Revenue will come from the government health agencies and partners at local, state, and federal level that are funding the outbreak testing efforts.  This solution will be viewed as an additional operational or technological cost.  There are various international NGOs and organizations that are also involved in the current COVID-19 pandemic response that may pledge long term funding for pandemic preparedness. We will be researching the potential to partner with these organizations as well.  The team is also applying for various grants to fund operations and will continue to do so.

In the future, there is also the potential to create a revenue model with private, commercial entities that also benefit from the additional revenue that this solution generates for them.

We are applying to Solve to be part of a supportive community that can help guide us as we navigate through the concept phase and build a prototype.  We also would like to support, learn from, and collaborate with other participants in Solve and are eager to be part of such a talented community with ambitious goals and ideas. We understand that this is a public health emergency and many lives have been lost and many more if nothing is done to control the present pandemic and prevent future pandemics from happening.

We believe that our project mission and purpose aligns well with Solve’s tech-based solution approach, innovation focus for solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.  

Partnering with individuals, communities, and organizations that strongly believe in their ability to change the world is what we consider important for a successful implementation of our life saving initiative in Africa.

• Solution technology: We will require partnerships with technology firms that have the existing technology that we would like to implement.  Furthermore, we will require technical talent to help us develop the project.

• Funding and revenue model:  We will need partners in the healthcare ecosystem to support the financial cost of operations.  This solution will be an added operational expenditure within the transportation costs within the sample collection process.

• Legal or regulatory matters:  We will require legal assistance with incorporation and for complying with local, state, and federal regulations in all matters of our business.

• Other: Other areas of support include partners within the healthcare industry that support pandemic response.  These connections will be vital for ongoing financial support for growth and sustainable operations.

While we do not have any official partnerships, we are in contact with the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).  In partnership with the NCDC, we plan to launch a pilot program in one of the states of Nigeria.

These, in addition to multiple other potential partnerships, will be vital to our success:

• Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC): Operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Health. They have a notable role in the COVID-19 response and are responsible for training logistics companies on how to handle and transport biohazardous patient samples and other medical products.  It is responsible for preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.

• National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA): Provides technical and programmatic support to Primary Health Care (PHC) services.
  

• Hospitals:  Like PHC centers, hospitals are destinations for COVID-19 testing.

• Federal and state/local laboratories:  There are approximately 29 laboratories in Nigeria processing test samples.  There is a plan to increase the number of laboratories so that there is one in each of the 36 states.
  

• Logistics companies:  We will work with established logistics companies to leverage their transportation infrastructure, fleet, and drivers. They have credibility within the country and can be relied on to deliver the required services.
  

• NGOs, non-profits, and international development agencies: We will investigate potential partnerships with these entities as they are providing substantial assistance during pandemic outbreaks.

Sources:
http://nphcda.gov.ng/covid-19-national-primary-healthcare-development-agency-trains-primary-healthcare-workers/
https://reliefweb.int/report/nigeria/expanding-covid-19-tests-africa-s-most-populous-nation
https://healthwise.punchng.com/ncdc-enlists-private-lab-for-covid-19-testing/
https://www.africanews.com/2020/05/31/coronavirus-nigeria-inclusion-of-lab-for-covid-19-testing-capacity
https://ncdc.gov.ng/ncdc

We are a talented group of results-oriented and purpose-driven individuals with a background in medical research, business, and technology. We represent diverse countries and bring knowledge of our heritage and present socio-economic conditions for on ground activation of outbreak preparedness and COVID-19 response. 

In a span of one month, we have managed to evolve our initial ideas by deploying demographic surveys, and reached out to mentors from disease control organizations to firm our understanding on present pain points and latent needs of the front-line workers during this pandemic in Nigeria. The Elevate Prize will help us to continue progress and successfully conduct a pilot study before infection rates peak in by fall of this year. 

Our vision is to establish our digital solution and its operations for long term monitoring and patient testing across inaccessible regions of Africa where the risk quick infection spread rate runs high in close knit communities.