Writes: Bilal Mpembamoto

Imagine a world where getting tested for a disease like COVID-19 is as easy as sending a text message. In Tanzania, this isn’t just a dream—it’s becoming a reality, thanks to a groundbreaking study led by Hajirani Msuya from the Ifakara Health Institute.

In a pilot project that wrapped up in 2022, Msuya and his team tested a simple mobile app called COVISUSPECT APP-USSD to help people report their COVID-19 test results right from their phones.

The conclusion? This digital tool, paired with rapid testing, could be a game-changer for spotting diseases early, improving how patients are cared for, and making testing available to more people. Here’s how it all came together.

A simple solution to a big problem

In Tanzania, like many places in Africa, keeping track of diseases like COVID-19 isn’t easy. The World Health Organization estimates that six out of seven cases go unreported in the region. That’s a huge gap!

Traditional testing often means long trips to clinics, delayed results, and piles of paperwork. Msuya, a researcher with a passion for solving health challenges, saw a better way: using mobile phones—something almost everyone has—to report test results instantly.

The COVISUSPECT APP-USSD doesn’t need fancy smartphones or internet. It works on basic phones using a simple code you dial, like checking your airtime balance. People could take a rapid COVID-19 test at home or work, then punch in their results—age, sex, test outcome, and more—right into the app.

In a study across three Tanzanian regions—Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Mara—412 people gave it a try between June and October 2022. The results were promising: about 75% successfully sent their data, proving this could work.

Hajirani Msuya: Leading the charge

At the heart of this innovation is Hajirani Msuya, a dedicated researcher at the Ifakara Health Institute, a leading health research organization in Tanzania. Msuya isn’t just a scientist crunching numbers; he’s someone tackling real-world problems head-on.

Msuya and his colleagues wanted to see if this app could make testing easier and faster, especially in busy places like bus terminals and mining camps where lots of people come together. “We aimed to assess if mobile apps could help people outside health facilities report their COVID-19 results,” Msuya explained in the study. And the answer? A resounding yes.

With support from the Tanzania Ministry of Health, the National Institute for Medical Research, and the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government Tanzania (PO-RALG), the vision took shape. These partners helped set up the study and connect with local communities, making sure the project reached the people who needed it most.

Why this matters: Early detection, better care

The big takeaway from this study is simple but powerful: combining rapid tests with a mobile app can catch diseases like COVID-19 early. When people can test themselves and report results in real time, health officials get a clearer picture of where outbreaks are happening. This means faster responses—like sending help or vaccines to the right places—before things spiral out of control.

Plus, it’s all about putting patients first. No more waiting days for results or trekking to a clinic when you’re feeling sick. With this app, testing becomes something you can do anywhere—at a bus stop, a gold mine, or even your living room.

About 45% of participants sent their results themselves, while others got help from community health workers or nurses. Either way, it worked, showing that this tool can fit into everyday life.

Overcoming hurdles, looking ahead

It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Network glitches and app errors meant some people—about 25%—couldn’t finish sending their results. The app’s short 20-second window to enter data also tripped up a few users.

But even with these hiccups, the study showed huge potential. Msuya’s team learned valuable lessons: better networks, longer session times, and clearer instructions could make the app even more user-friendly.

Looking forward, Msuya and his colleagues see this as just the beginning. The study suggests bigger trials to test the app in cities and villages alike, and maybe even tweak it for other diseases like HIV or hepatitis. Imagine a future where your phone doesn’t just keep you connected—it keeps you healthy.

A team effort for a healthier Tanzania

This wasn’t a solo mission. Alongside the Ifakara Health Institute, the project got a boost from regional hospitals, local leaders, and even the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority, which helped with the app’s tech side.

Funding came from FND, and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene chipped in to get the findings published. It’s a shining example of how teamwork can turn a good idea into something great.

The future of health in your hands

In the end, this study isn’t just about numbers or tech—it’s about people. It’s about giving Tanzanians a simple way to take charge of their health, one test at a time. By blending rapid COVID-19 tests with a mobile app, this pilot showed that better disease tracking and patient care are within reach.

As Msuya and his colleagues put it, “The future of reporting self-test results using mobile applications” could transform how we handle outbreaks, making health systems stronger and communities safer.

So, next time you pick up your phone, think about this: it might not just be for calls or texts—it could be a lifeline to a healthier tomorrow, thanks to pioneers like Hajirani Msuya and the power of a little app with big dreams.

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Bilal Mpembamoto heads the Communications Office at the Ifakara Health Institute. He’s an experienced science writer and media editor, having worked for reputable media outlets, including The Guardian and Mwananchi Communications.