Facebook has also become a well-spring of information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) – particularly since March 24, when the Ministry of Health and Sports confirmed the country’s first two cases.

But social media, including Facebook and instant messaging, can also be a source of doubt, rumours and misinformation. Can people catch the virus after a hot bath? Will a tuberculosis vaccination protect me from COVID-19? Will eating “gna pi” (fish paste) kill the virus?
Amidst an impending health crisis in Myanmar, these are just some of the questions circulating on social media. Without being addressed with facts and data, such questions can easily give rise uncertainty and fear.

The local technology company Phandeeyar have created a simple solution to cut through this haze of misinformation, with the launch of an application called Dr Thuta Chatbot. The chatbot is integrated into Facebook’s instant messenger, and provides up-to-date information about the virus – how many cases in Myanmar, current travel restrictions as well as myths surrounding the disease.
“Thuta” is the Burmese word for “knowledge”, a foundational aspect of the bot’s appeal.

The chatbot was launched on April 1, and has five main functions: to help users protect themselves and their families, including practical measures like hand-washing, social distancing and wearing masks.
Secondly, Dr Thuta Chatbot sends users a summary of updates, based on the latest information from the Ministry of Health and Sports. This section includes details about travel restrictions, visa and quarantine requirements.

The third component is an interactive “Myth Buster Quiz”, which tests users on their knowledge of the virus, how it is transmitted and precautions to prevent further spread. This is followed by the “Self Assessment” bot, helping users to identify common COVID-19 symptoms.

Finally, the last chatbot contains a comprehensive list of medical centers and hospitals where people can undergo testing or seek treatment. Given the potential broad-scale spread of the virus, these details are particularly useful for people living in remote parts of the country.

In just over a week the bot has already attracted over 15,000 users, according to Wai Phyo Myint, senior manager of digital rights at Phandeeyar. “The most popular sections are the case updates, precautions people can take and the self-assessment quiz,” she explained.

Information and data are updated regularly, and the team are working on a new “Mental Health and Well-being” section. “A lot of people have been stressed about this issue, and it has a massive impact on peoples’ general well-being. We’ve been collecting information and practical advice to help people cope with the situation,” Wai Phyo Myint said.

Phandeeyar’s Dr Thuta’s Chatbot is not only accessible to anyone with a smartphone, but gives users the option to receive and share updates from the Ministry of Health and Sports – making dissemination of information in Myanmar more efficient than ever.

“We know how dangerous COVID-19 can be if it spreads uncontrollably, if critical measures such as social distancing are not taken at an early stage of an outbreak,” said Jes Kaliebe Petersen, CEO of Phandeeyar.

“The number of confirmed cases in Myanmar is still relatively small, and by acting now through simple but powerful actions we can all as individuals help ‘flatten the curve’ and ease the burden on the healthcare system from severe COVID-19 cases. We created this chatbot to help people take the necessary steps, and to be a go-to source of high-quality, vetted information on COVID-19,” he added.

The facts and information used in the chatbot are updated from reliable sources, including the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health and Sports and the Department of Medical Services.