The race to finding a cure to the pandemic currently ravaging the world is still on. Some countries have managed to flatten the curve bringing the number of cases down drastically. Others have reopened the economy and ease their stance on the lockdown. Cities like Dubai have now resumed travel activities with strict protective measures in place. Equally, some African countries like Zambia and Tanzania have resumed commercial activities. However, more measures can be taken to prevent the spread of the virus on the African continent. And with the use of the Algorand blockchain, patient tracking can be utilised.
The world is still in search of a cure, other preventive measures are being put in place. However, the blockchain can enable an effective system of testing and tracking of infected people. Initially, there was a call to shut down the economy to prevent the spread. That measure had been countered with more calls to reopen the economy. Scientists, on the other hand, have speculated that with accurate testing and tracking platforms, the virus can be curbed. There is also a call for frequent testing and daily certification of symptoms.
The Defects in Centralized Solutions.
The blockchain presents a lot of opportunities to aid in the fight against Coronavirus. One of the common debates revolves around citizens' privacy protection. Most countries have opted for the use of centralised technologies to keep their citizens safe. For instance, South Korea would publish the movement of people infected with the virus publicly via text messages. On the other hand, Israel passed a law that enables the tracking of persons suspected to be infected by the virus via smartphones. While the US is collaborating with Google and Facebook to gain access to the location data of infected people. All these measures while great would compromise the data of the infected citizens and create sigma against them.
In China at the height of the pandemic, residents were assigned a colour-code classification to determine if they should be quarantined or allowed into public spaces. Such situations spell doom for the future of freedom as it may be difficult for the government to adjust. There is also the possibility that there may be data leak or these centralized companies might sell citizens' personal data. The loss of data such as addresses, date of birth, Social Security Numbers, etc. may encourage identity theft. We have seen central bodies like Facebook sell users data before and using centralised systems can empower them.
The Role of the Algorand Blockchain
Most African countries like Madagascar have started creating their own COVID solutions. The African nation came up with a natural remedy called "COVID Organics". Other African nations have taken up measures like border restrictions to curb imported cases. However, Algorand's Founder, Silvio Micali released a report on the network's Covid-19 solutions and the various ways it aimed to combat the virus. However, in Africa Algorand can help curb the spread up the process in the following ways.
Tracking of Infected Individuals
While scientists are concerned with testing as many people as possible, Algorand blockchain can be used to track both the tested and infected individuals. Algorand is an open and permissionless blockchain network built to promote a decentralized digital economy using the Pure Proof-of-Stake protocol. It also utilizes a unique language in its smart contracts called Transaction Execution Approval Language or TEAL. This language enables the creation of Dapps which can enable tracking. When individuals are tested, their data is stored on the blockchain. Those who are infected can be traced using the blockchain. An example of a blockchain company doing this is the ADIONA™ COVID-19 antibody testing platform.
Verification of Test Kits
By building an Algorand blockchain-based smartphone software application, testing kits can be verified safe for use. Naturally, the Algorand blockchain uses self-validating transactions adding this system to certification for Covid-19 would be seamless. Imported testing kits and gears from other parts of the world have to be certified safe before being disbursed. When these kits get to their desired destination they can be verified on the blockchain before use. The Dapps built on Algorand can utilise QR codes secured with cryptography to authenticate kits, test results and reagents. This can also be applied to travel records. Before getting on board a flight, individuals can be verified on the blockchain for their health status.
Privacy Protection
Algorand is a decentralised blockchain devoid of a single point of control or central authority. This means that user data cannot be tampered with, to tamper with the records the hacker will have to erase the entire block. The Algorand system selects a committee of users randomly who approve every block. Thus, unlike centralized solutions where citizens' data is published, infected persons can have their identities protected.
Supply Chain Management
The "COVID Organics," Madagascar's remedy is yet to get the approval of the WHO. However, a lot of countries have started ordering packs of the remedy. Countries like Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria have ordered the drugs despite the lack of scientific testing. However, let's assume that there is a ready-made cure, the Algorand blockchain can aid in the tracking of the products from the manufacturer to patients. The blockchain will enable a transparent medium for the cure to pass through. So, as countries order for the products, they can monitor the supply chain on the blockchain and curb fake products, loss and tampering of the products.
Conclusion
While a lot of centralised solutions have been used to track Covid-19 patients, these solutions spell doom for the future of privacy and identity theft. However, by applying the Algorand blockchain to tracking asymptomatic patients, we can easily curb the spread. Scientists can carry out the tests with the IGg/IgM Covid-19 rapid-point-of-care antibody test and record the results on the Algorand blockchain.
Considering how chaotic the world is right now, blockchain solutions are needed to help doctors and patients alike. For instance, having your health data on the blockchain can help doctors determine which patients need immediate care. It will also help to separate the asymptomatic people without making them feel ostracised or dangerous. On the part of Data Protection, the Algorand blockchain will enable the citizens' to own their own data instead of the government. The Algorand solution is so well crafted that users' identities are protected using pseudonyms. Hopefully, the solution will be widely adopted and the virus will be defeated.
