Mukoko: New mobile app improves data collection
Mukoko: New mobile app improves data collection
What if field workers could easily process real time data on how many children they have tested and found HIV positive? So HIV programmes could be adjusted where needed in order to find, test and treat missing children faster? May we proudly present to you the Mukoko mobile application, a real time data reporting application piloted in three districts in Zimbabwe!
What issues does it solve?
The meaning of Mukoko is beehive. It refers to community field workers gathering data offline and bringing it to the office via Wi-Fi. Through use of real time data reporting, service providers have access to accurate information on health services and treatment needs before patients even present to the health facility. Hence they can improve efficiency and also mitigate potential HIV treatment stock outs.
Furthermore, the analysis of data helps in decision making towards enhanced monitoring, prioritisations and strengthening of HIV Testing Services in the most at need areas.
A vision of a company and an NGO becomes reality
How does it work?
Mukoko is an Android-based mobile application with a web-based portal. Field workers use the app each time they conduct door to door visits in the communities. Responses given by the client are entered into the questionnaire regarding finding and testing of children and their families.
A unique feature of Mukoko is that it gathers location specific data for identification of potential hotspot areas to inform more targeted interventions. When cellular connectivity is inaccessible, the app then saves data offline and synchronizes when connected to a network.
To maintain clinical ethical standards and patient confidentiality, the app creates a unique identifier with each contact for none clinical accredited staff, only making available identifiable bio data to health facility-based service providers.
Results of the pilot
During the pilot phase that ran from August 2019 until December 2020, 15 field workers received training on the use of the Mukoko app. In this period a total of 942 children were found and tested for HIV. Out of the total number of children tested, 401 children were tested for the first time. 541 were re-tests due to unknown results of previous tests, among others. In total 19 children tested positive for HIV and were supported to start treatment.
Developed by
The Mukoko app has been developed and piloted jointly by Aidsfonds, the private company Capgemini and our implementing partner SAfAIDS in Zimbabwe. Capgemini currently hosts Mukoko, SAfAIDS trained community field workers and continuously provided user feedback to inform application improvement.
Interested to know more?
Do you want to know more about the Mukoko app and how it could improve your data collection? Or how your investment could support upscaling of the app? Please feel free to contact our business developer Alexander Medik