Aim of this project is to use technology to assist Rohingya refugees living in South East Asia during the COVID-19 crisis. More specifically we will use knowledge acquired from previous research and close collaboration with community experts, local NGOs and members of the Rohingya refugee community to design, develop, and deploy a mobile phone app.
The app will act as an educational tool to counter the spread of the COVID19, with messages about prevention, symptoms, and what to do when experiencing symptoms using information available from official channels (e.g. UNHCR, or government's health ministry).
You can watch a video overview of the app by clicking
here (English audio) or here (Rohingya audio).
The RefugeeHelpVirus app is currently available for Android via the Google Play store and for iOS from the Apple App Store.
To download the app for Android devices click here.
To download the app for Apple devices click here.
The information presented in this app is translated using the appropriate languages, is as pictorial as possible, and is in audio as well as written format. The app also provides the locations of free help sites, clinics, and charities who can help the refugees if they are experiencing worrying symptoms or need assistance with food and other supplies.
This project aims to strengthen support for a particularly vulnerable set of refugees at risk during the pandemic.
It also provides a clear strategy for improved communications for a diverse population. Potential countries that would benefit who are on the DAC list are: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and other countries in South East Asia, as well as Bangladesh. The welfare of the people in the countries in South East Asia that the UNHCR supports will benefit from being able to help prevent the COVID19 virus spreading, save lives by understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek help, therefore reducing the burden on front line medical workers. The countries will benefit in that it may help stop or slow down the spread of the COVID19 virus and thus help with the strain on poor health infrastructure.
Related previous work
Previous research in 2019, carried out a series of Participatory Design workshops to explore how Rohingya refugees could be assisted by technology; both early on and long after they arrived in a new country.
Our findings, from that research, which were confirmed and endorsed by the Rohingya community, suggest that new technology concepts aiming to assist them should primarily focus on: safety, social capital, upskilling, and language translation.
Following these findings, a safety oriented mobile phone app was developed called "Help to Connect". The app was evaluated in a workshop with Rohingya refugees, and is currently in an early deployment phase in Penang, Malaysia.
People
Prof. Lynne Baillie (PI)
DR Theodoros Georgiou (CoI)
DR Theodoros Georgiou (CoI)
Project Lead
Department of Computer Science (MACS)
Heriot-Watt University
DR Theodoros Georgiou (CoI)
DR Theodoros Georgiou (CoI)
DR Theodoros Georgiou (CoI)
Co-Investigator
Department of Computer Science (MACS) Heriot-Watt University
DR Gina Netto (COI)
DR Theodoros Georgiou (CoI)
DR Gina Netto (COI)
Co-Investigator
The Urban Institute (EGIS)
Heriot-Watt University
Sean Patterson
Alexander Lyon
DR Gina Netto (COI)
Lead Research Developer
Jack Walker
Alexander Lyon
Alexander Lyon
Research Developer
Alexander Lyon
Alexander Lyon
Alexander Lyon
Research Developer
Sarah Mattison
Sarah Mattison
Sarah Mattison
Graphic Designer
Collaborating organisations
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