Analysis of a National Health Ministry Chatbot Implemented in Malawi Amid the COVID-19 Crisis: A Retrospective Study
By
Isaach Ndemera
Yu-Ting Sunny Hsieh
Kingston Chirwa
Selemani Ngwira
Alanna Denny
Tsung Shu Joseph Wu
Hsin-yi Lee
Griphin Baxter Chirambo
Simeon Luka Yosefe
Ben Chilima
Matthew Kagoli
Balwani Mbakaya
Kwong Leung Joseph Yu
John O'Donoghue
July 16, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Analysis of a National Health Ministry Chatbot Implemented in Malawi Amid the COVID-19 Crisis: A Retrospective Study
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition COVID-19 Key Mechanisms Digital health tools for information dissemination and public health surveillance. Target Population Citizens of Malawi engaging with the chatbot for COVID-19 information. Care Setting Public health communication during emergencies.
Key Highlights
Malawi's Ministry of Health deployed a WhatsApp chatbot to support COVID-19 response. Approximately 10,000 citizens engaged with the chatbot for self-reporting and updates. The chatbot was designed to evolve by incorporating new information and services. Data collected included interaction metrics and user engagement patterns. The study provides insights into the operational features of the chatbot. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Patient & Prescribing Data
Users of the WhatsApp chatbot in Malawi.
The chatbot facilitated access to COVID-19 information and symptom reporting.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize digital platforms for effective public health communication. Incorporate user feedback to enhance chatbot functionality. Ensure secure data storage and real-time data analysis capabilities. Related Resources & Content
