Digicape is expanding its solution set in the Apple in Healthcare market with the announcement of a deal with xRapid, the London-based startup that has created a world first mobile health solution that provides automatic diagnosis of malaria via an iPhone app.
Using digital imaging (DI) technology and artificial intelligence (AI), xRapid has developed a revolutionary platform that can diagnose diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis faster, cheaper and more accurately than conventional methods.
Testing is critically important in managing any disease such as malaria as it links the treatment with drug management, vaccine research, resource allocation and patient care on a global scale. The xRapid mHealth solution is another example of how technology is disrupting the health sector to deliver more robust solutions that address current shortcomings in disease detection and treatment and the critical need for combating endemic diseases.
Available from Digicape the xRapid solution includes an iPhone, the xRapid mobile app and an attachment system that works on both compound and field microscopes. The test equipment and technology is robust enough to cope with harsh climates and hot temperatures, making it the ideal choice for healthcare professionals and aid workers in remote areas with limited resources. The App uses the digital imaging technology with an algorithm to diagnose the disease from a magnified image of a blood slide shown through the microscope. Once the test is concluded the diagnostic report is immediately available for patient education and care to begin and to share with global organisations involved in disease management.
According to Robin Olivier, Managing Director of Digicape, xRapid is an essential mobile healthcare solution that is helping to realise the World Health Organisation’s strategic goals. “We need healthcare solutions in Africa that are designed with the continent’s people and circumstances in mind. Digicape is proud to be supporting the innovative work that xRapid has put into developing the solution that is so simple to use but also empowering to the healthcare and aid workers, patients, families and communities.”
Global impact
In 2015, the “Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030” developed by the WHO was adopted by the World Assembly. The strategy, which aims to eliminate malaria on a global scale cites that in 2013, 3.2 billion people were at risk of the disease in 97 countries, with Sub-Saharan Africa most affected.
Olivier further urged African governments and private healthcare institutions and practitioners to consider xRapid as their diagnostic tool of choice for malaria on the continent. “It’s a crucial step we need to take towards a malaria free Africa. Modern mobile technology is key to supporting the global directive ‘to maximize the impact of modern life saving tools’ but more than that it’s the right thing to do. Digicape is working hard to put these kinds of innovative healthcare technologies in the hands of people dealing everyday with critical healthcare issues.”
“We are very excited to be the first iPhone app to diagnose a major disease like malaria. Half of the global population is at risk, and we are very proud to be doing our part in improving the lives of those affected. The mHealth revolution is starting to help people all over the world and we are thrilled to be part of it,” concludes Jean Viry-Babel, xRapid CEO.