COVID-19 Mutant Slayer

The rapid emergence of more highly transmissible and more deadly mutant variants threatens to worsen and prolong the already devastating impacts and tragic outcomes of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Current approaches to identifying and responding to these variant threats by governmental agencies and public health ministries—at the national levels—are  either non-existent or woefully inadequate.

COVID-19Contacts.org (CV-19.org) offers these public health agencies and ministries a highly effective vehicle through which they can best execute highly effective COVID-19 national-level response and control plans. Our solution includes a proprietary ‘privacy-first’ blockchain data analytics-driven platform that effectively integrates variant surveillance systems and variant contact tracing applications at all levels of government.

If effectively scaled, the potential for positive change for those potentially impacted by these mutant variants, particularly those who are disproportionately impacted by this insidious COVID-19 ‘monster,’ extends to the health and well-being of hundreds of millions of global citizens worldwide. 

The world continues a war against an insidious virus—COVID-19—that has resulted in a catastrophic loss of lives and livelihoods not seen in over 100 years. Globally, there have already been 175 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and over 3.8 million deaths, while the global economy has lost over US $87.5 trillion. Even with the development and deployment of highly effective vaccines, the rapid emergence of more highly transmissible and more deadly mutant COVID-19 variants threatens to worsen and prolong these tragic outcomes.

These challenges highlight the need to surge response and control mechanisms and strategies that work to contain these variants. To that end, experts agree that the next critical phase in the COVID-19 pandemic response will require enhanced virus surveillance and contact tracing—a  crucial pandemic response and control combination that has already successfully been used to mitigate and even eliminate epidemics and pandemics. 

However, the world currently lacks desperately needed surveillance and contact tracing technologies, at the national levels, that integrate and coordinate the massive amounts of potentially actionable disaggregated public health metadata generated by the existing large number of disparate contact tracing apps and interrelated surveillance systems currently in use.

COVID-19Contacts.org (CV-19.org) offers national governmental agencies and public health ministries a highly effective vehicle through which they can best execute COVID-19 national-level response and control plans. This includes a proprietary ‘privacy-first’ blockchain data analytics-driven platform that effectively integrates:

• Variant Surveillance Systems – Integrates scattered de-identified variant public health metadata generated from national surveillance databases that is needed to more effectively determine exactly where and when mutated COVID-19 viruses are spreading. The key difference between potentially privacy-concerning data and metadata is that data is simply the raw content that can be a description of anything, e.g., detailed private patient health records. On the other hand, metadata describes only the relevant information about that data, e.g., an anonymized summary of where and when that patient data was generated. This is of major consequence in light of overriding demonstrated concerns about patient privacy.
• Variant Contact Tracing Applications (Apps) – Efficiently integrates existing national-level contact tracing apps, which enables rapid decentralized information exchange and harmonized disaggregated public health metadata coordination related to variant contact tracing. At the same time, these data sources empower interrelated contact tracing workforces with ‘force-multiplying’ technologies that contribute to more effective and efficient human-centered manual contact tracing outcomes.

CV-19.org’s solution, via national governmental agencies and public health ministries, potentially serves the billions of people worldwide most at risk of the catastrophic impacts of COVID-19 and its emerging variants—particularly the remaining vulnerable unvaccinated populations and communities within nations most at risk of the growing threat of  these mutant variants. Our technology-enabled public health intervention innovations are projected to have a net positive benefit of more efficiently protecting between 8% to 10% more people within this population segment who might have otherwise been missed with current mass vaccination approaches due to vaccine logistical inefficiencies, anticipated vaccine hesitancies, and the emergence of these more transmissible and more deadly mutant/variant COVID-19 viruses.

 The plight of these often-marginalized populations and communities, which are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19,  is further complicated by inequitable vaccine distributions, subpar public health infrastructures, and the lack of adequate resources. These increased public health disparities, along with inadequate funding and infrastructure for rapid mass vaccinations and other public health measures, have also put these communities at greater risk of propagating COVID-19 variants.

 CV-19.org specifically solves the problem of the systemic lack of national-level coordination and integration of COVID-19 variant surveillance systems and contact tracing apps, and interconnected inefficiencies related to poor management of the massive amounts of generated disaggregated metadata. We rectify problems like this for these under-resourced, over-burdened stakeholders by providing a world-class COVID-19 technology and data analytics platform capable of instantaneous integration and coordination of sensitive data in a safe and secure decentralized environment.

The overall aim of MIT-Solve is to find “innovative, human-centered, technology-based solutions to its Global Challenges.”  In response to its ‘Health Security & Pandemics Challenge,’ CV-19.org has developed a strategically aligned blockchain data analytics-based surveillance and contact tracing integration platform designed to help slow and ultimately halt the catastrophic impacts of COVID-19, and related variants, while protecting all people, addressing the public health needs of underserved nations and communities, and fulfilling the urgent need to reduce the risks of future health security threats.

The ‘prototype’ stage of development was selected  because it accurately reflects the ‘integration readiness level’ (IRL) and ‘technology readiness level’ (TRL) of CV-19.org’s blockchain analytics-enabled TRaCE™ Platform.  The Platform is comprised of a proprietary suite of fully-integrated subsystem technologies and/or processes that have been individually market-proven and tested by our global strategic alliance partners. Accordingly, an IRL of ‘Level 5-6’ has been selected. This IRL demonstrates that: 1) all enabling/critical technologies and components have been identified; 2) the evaluation of key design characteristics have been initiated; 3) product data required for component integration has been released; 4) major functions of the integrating technologies have been widely demonstrated in ‘real-world’ operational situations; and 5) it has been established that there is sufficient control between the technologies and our proprietary TRaCE™ Platform necessary to establish, complete, and manage the integration.

CV-19.org’s blockchain data analytics-enabled TRaCE™ Platform reflects an innovative Mutant Track & Trace™ approach to the challenges of national-level integration of COVID-19 variant surveillance systems and contact tracing apps. These catalytic  innovations enable national governmental agencies and public health ministries to more effectively identify variant outbreaks while facilitating more rapid and efficient exchanges of ‘mission-critical’ aggregated surveillance and contact tracing metadata.

Blockchain Innovations – Blockchain technology is much more than just another way to store data. It’s a radical new method of storing validated data and transaction information in an indelible, trusted repository. This technology is poised to disrupt the fight against COVID-19. It is already disrupting the way some individual contact tracing applications operate by using anonymization and cryptography to collect information from patient contacts without identifying them. It has the similar potential to securely and quickly aggregate these voluminous amounts of unconnected data across state and local lines.

 Data-analytics Innovations – Data analytics is all about finding hidden nuggets of valuable information in data. It has already demonstrated its capacity to identify emerging market trends, enabling organizations to make quicker and better decisions. Similarly, it has the capacity to disrupt COVID-19 surveillance and contact tracing by bolstering user capabilities to learn from the past in ways that can help improve the chances for successfully defeating COVID-19—now and into the future.

 Together, blockchain and data analytics are even more valuable and have the potential to dramatically enhance COVID-19 data quality, improve information accessibility, and bolster information exchange security. 

As COVID-19 continues its rampage worldwide, new variants are emerging which inequitably put vulnerable/ underserved populations at “high risk.”  According to a 2021 study published in the journal The Lancet Global Health, approximately 4 percent of CV-19.org’s targeted total population segments fall within this high-risk category. Based on these major assumptions, CV-19.org has targeted the following nations and island states: 

Global Population Segments Served: Total Population - 433,164,352; Total Variant “High-Risk” Population - 17,326,614

6 to 12 months - Initial test/go-to- markets Brazil (indicative of highly vulnerable nations within South America): Total Population - 212,559,417; Total Variant “high risk” Population - 8,502,377, and Belize (indicative of small highly vulnerable island states/nations within the Caribbean region): Total Population - 383,071; Total Variant “High-Risk” Population – 15,333+)

12 to 24 months - Expand and serve additional key highly vulnerable island states/nations within the Caribbean region including: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica  (Total Population - 27,987,123; Total Variant “High-Risk” Population – 1,119)

24 - 60 months – Expand and serve key additional highly vulnerable nations within South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. (Total Population - 220,222,864; Total Variant “High-Risk” Population – 8,808,915)

 [Please note that Year 1 targeted countries may also include the United States, (based on award(s) parameters) and includes: Total Population – 331,449,281; Total Variant “High-Risk” Population – 13,257,971]

The impacts (value of outcomes) of CV-19.org’s technology solution squarely address the UN Sustainable Development Goals #3, “Good Health and Well Being.” These impacts will be digitally monitored and measured, while maintaining the utmost protections in patient/contacts privacy and security by: 1) assessing the social/public health value of outcomes achieved, including reductions in the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths; 2) determining the savings by governmental agencies and public health ministries through greater efficiencies achieved in disease surveillance and contact tracing workforce performances; and 3) calculating the economic recovery and growth of economies at the national, state, and local levels.

In order to best determine anticipated impacts/value of outcomes, CV-19.org could leverage the ‘net health impact’ measurement tool developed by MIT-Trinity Challenge member, the Imperial College of London. Additionally, the national economic impacts of COVID-19 could be quantifiably measured by key national economic indicators, such as, but not limited to, fluctuations in national gross domestic product (GDP) and other micro and macro-economic modeling tools.

Additionally, CV-19.org plans to build upon the COVID-19 surveillance and contact tracing measurement tools currently used worldwide by its global strategic partners. 

We currently have 4 people working on our solution team including full-time staff, part-time staff and advisors.  These efforts are significantly augmented by the human resources of our multinational strategic partners. 

CV-19.org is well-positioned to deliver this solution through the proven capabilities of its highly-qualified Executive Leadership Team.

Dr. Myles E. Mangram – Dr. Mangram has a 35-year track record as a serial entrepreneur, investor, sustainability expert, impact investment specialist, educator, and contact tracing ‘Thought Ninja.’ His educational background includes B.Sc., Masters, Doctorate degrees in business, and relevant executive management and post-doctoral certifications. He has over 10 years of experience in technology and platform development and management including:

• TRaCE™ Platform (CV-19.org) – Integrated blockchain data analytics-enabled COVID-19 contact tracing technology platform and related Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) infrastructure
• MPower3 Platform™ (IQgrid Ltd.) - Turnkey ‘microgrid-in-a-box’ clean energy delivery system
• CTX Trading Platform™ (EnTech Capital Ltd.) – Computerized carbon credit exchange platform
• REITS-X Trading Platform™ – World’s first Real Estate Investment Trusts global exchange platform
• Music Video Industry – Helped create an entire $1 billion/year music retail industry with his pioneering research.

 Mike Reynolds - Mr. Reynolds is a visionary C-level leader with a strong track record of building businesses, creating valuable alliances, and executing key business initiatives. As the former Chairman/President of the American Lung Assoc., he is also a demonstrated philanthropic leader.

Harry Goodnight – Mr. Goodnight is a proven senior executive with 30+ years domestic and international experience with blockchain, Big Data, and networked ecosystems.  He is highly skilled in all aspects of value-based management and consulting, and is adept at driving revenue growth and performance. His educational background includes a B.Sc. in Computer Mathematics and an MBA degree.

CV-19.org agrees with MIT-Solve’s philosophy that “Everyone should have a seat at the problem-solving table” and is deeply committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive leadership team as evidenced by CV-19.org’s:

• Market focus on the most underserved populations, which have been disproportionately adversely impacted by COVID-19
• Founder & CEO, Dr. Myles E. Mangram’s minority status as an African-American
• Formation and registration as a for-profit, public benefit company (Delaware, USA)
• Registration as an SBA 8a Socially and Economically disadvantaged organization
• Registration as an NMSDC Minority-owned  Socially and Economically disadvantaged organization
• Plan to add additional leadership team members in line with its diversity goals.

Beyond the money, our reasons for responding to the Health Security & Pandemics Challenge include:

• Our respective organizations’ mutual understanding of the importance of innovative, human-centered, technology-based solutions (including blockchain and AI) to current and future health challenges and pandemics
• Shared vision about the value of social impact innovation and human-centered solutions and their abilities to drive lasting transformational change in the public health space
• MIT-Solve’s understanding of the importance of a “whole of world” approach to addressing these challenges
• MIT-Solve’s access to mentorship, coaching, and strategic advice, and its valuable ecosystem of synergistic Members/Partners

• Our mutual commitments to inclusion and diversity to better solve world challenges like COVID-19.

Human Capital – Human capital support and partnerships are needed most because of CV-19.org’s current executive-level workforce limitations and related lack of “bandwidth.”

Business Model Support – Business model support is needed to help refine CV-19.org’s strategic approaches to best deliver value to our targeted customer-base of national governmental agencies and public health ministries.

Potential MIT-Solve strategic partners or advisors include:

• The Crown Prince Court (CPC) – The CPC was selected because of its leadership in the Arab region—home to over 436 million people. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed serious fault lines and vulnerabilities within this region which includes a fragmented health care system and insufficient primary care in many countries. The pandemic has also magnified many decades-long challenges related to: violence and conflict; inequalities, unemployment, poverty, and inadequate social safety nets; insufficiently responsive institutions and governance systems; and an economic model that has not yet met the aspirations and needs of all.
• Atlassian – This organization was selected because of its agile mindset and expertise in the digital transformation space and deep understanding of COVID-19’s related impacts. This includes its digital tool profile that comprises tools like Jira, Jira Align, and Confluence, which have become key engines to COVID-19 response.
• APCO – APCO was targeted as a potential strategic partner within the MIT-Solve universe because of its commitment to helping businesses, communities, and governments navigate the immediate COVID-19 crisis and mitigate the longer-term outcomes. In support of these efforts, it has also put into place a dedicated international team of experts, a “Coronavirus Hub,” and a custom crisis communications simulator that could all be of value to CV-19.org. Executive Director of APCO, Eliot Hoff, is specifically targeted because of his recognized expertise in crisis management and preparedness. 

CV-19.org is uniquely qualified for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation prize because of the two organization’s synergistic focus on health and health equity among socially, economically, or geographically disadvantaged and underserved population groups.

The foundation's goal, through the use of grants, is to improve the health and healthcare of all Americans through the advance of knowledge. The Foundation is particularly concerned about the devastating and disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 within this country. In that regard, the underlying research and development of CV-19.org’s “Mutant Slayer” variant surveillance and contact tracing initiative provides valuable knowledge about America’s greatest health challenge in over 100 years. This will help better inform current and future approaches to pandemic response and control. In line with the Foundations objectives, this treasure trove of information will help bring about meaningful change in America (and the rest of the world) in the way we all approach response and control of COVID-19—particularly in underserved, under-resourced, and  disproportionately impacted communities of color.

CV-19.org is uniquely qualified for the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation’s “AI for Humanity Prize” because of our synergistic mutual commitments to advancing AI and data solutions to create “a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all.” As a public benefit company, CV-19.org is strategically aligned with the Foundation’s acceleration of its ‘Data and Society’ program—the first of its kind initiative that will enable social ventures like us to leverage the transformative potential of data science and AI for impact. This program is a pillar of the Foundations’ strategy to foster an equitable, sustainable, and thriving world enabled by data and AI—tools that could help unlock transformational approaches to many aspects of one of the world’s greatest challenges—COVID-19.