February 20 2006

The article explains how a team from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has developed an interactive tool using mobile phones to educate the public about pandemic flu. The free, interactive media, called Mobile PanFlu Prep, can be downloaded to a cell phone as one would download an interactive game. A series of menu items and audio provide the user with information on flu symptoms, advice on avoiding the flu, and a checklist to prepare for pandemic flu. The checklist gives specific information on how to prepare, including stockpiling supplies such as: water and non-perishable food; first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries and portable radio; face masks; and soap and alcohol-based hand wipes.

Mobile PanFlu Prep is available in English and Spanish and contains rich graphics, animations, voice-overs, branching, scrolling text and record-keeping. The initial rollout of Mobile PanFlu Prep will be available at no cost in the United States to select phones in the Sprint, Cingular and T-Mobile networks. Users can also download the application from the Public Health Games website.

According to article, the U.S. federal government have encouraged individuals, organisations and communities to prepare for a possible pandemic outbreak. The UIC team predicts that innovations in mobile phone technology will play an important role in education and training, as well as communicating timely information to the public about future disease outbreaks and disaster-driven emergencies. The developers envision building a series of interactive media for mobile phones that might include training for chemical, biological and radiological emergencies. The article states that such developments will require co-operation among the various mobile phone carriers.