A COVID-19 self-assessment system co-developed by the Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Tsinghua University and the University's School of Clinical Medicine was launched in Africa with the support of Chinese digital TV provider StarTimes Group on March 27.

The system, tested by experts in epidemiology, respiratory, emergency medicine and general practice, aims to help the public know more about the virus in a scientific way, determine how to seek further care as well as relieve anxiety and fear.

People living in countries in sub-Saharan Africa can access it using the StarTimes ON mobile application. Multi-language services covering Chinese, English, French, Portuguese and Swahili are provided to bring African people useful tips on how to protect themselves from the devastating disease.

Pang Yi, the product operation manager of StarTimes, said they hope to take advantage of the company's media platforms in Africa to share more effective measures that China has used to fight against the virus.

The digital TV provider has opened more than 100 international and local channels for free in Africa, to not only enrich African people's life when they are trapped home to curb the spread of the virus but also inform them of real-time virus information.

In addition, as a growing number of schools have been shut down in the region, StarTimes will also cooperate with educational institutions to offer online classes via its media outlets.