Describing a National Chatbot Deployed by the Ministry of Health in Malawi During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Data Analysis - Summary - MDSpire
Advertisement
Analysis of a National Health Ministry Chatbot Implemented in Malawi Amid the COVID-19 Crisis: A Retrospective Study
To describe the national deployment, functionality, and use patterns of the WhatsApp chatbot during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi.
Approach:
WhatsApp Chatbot Design: The WhatsApp chatbot is linked to the MOH’s official WhatsApp number, allowing users seamless access. Dialogue data are stored securely and processed to deliver appropriate responses based on user inputs.
Data Collection: A retrospective study collected operational and service data from the chatbot, including metrics like bot ID, date of interaction, channel, and performance indicators from its launch on May 29, 2020, until May 5, 2023.
Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze access to chatbot functions, focusing on health information dissemination, self-reporting use, and rumor reporting characteristics.
Key Findings:
The chatbot engaged approximately 10,000 citizens for self-reporting and updates.
Data analysis included access patterns to chatbot functions and trends in COVID-19 cases.
Integration with secondary data sources enhanced the analysis.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Limited empirical studies on health chatbots in Africa.
The actual performance and contribution of the chatbot to national COVID-19 responses remain largely unknown.
Conclusion:
The Malawi WhatsApp chatbot serves as a case study for leveraging digital tools in public health communication during pandemics.
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
