Medical assistance, international healthcare and security services provider International SOS launched its free Ebola application (app) in November last year.

The Ebola app is designed to help share International SOS’ medical and travel information on the deadly virus, which has claimed the lives of more than 6 000 people globally, according to the World Health Organisation.

The free app is available on iOS and Android compatible devices, and provides online access to key sections from International SOS’ dedicated Ebola website, removing the normal requirement for membership access. This site has about 10 000 visitors a day.

International SOS medical information and analysis director Doug Quarry says: “The ongoing Ebola outbreak has become a global health emergency where rapid communication of advice and information is absolutely critical. We know people want up-to-date, accurate information as quickly as possible. They want it from a trusted source and in today’s multimedia world they want it in their hands wherever they are. We designed this app to try and meet that demand.”

The app offers the latest news and developments on the Ebola outbreak with maps of affected areas, and key sections also available for offline use. The content is automatically updated and includes access to the video ‘Ebola – What business travellers need to know’.

The app forms part of a wider International SOS communication initiative to support the global fight against Ebola.

Organisations in West Africa, the most affected region in the world, and beyond are using International SOS’ educational material, which has been translated into 21 different languages.

“Every day, we continue to get new calls from our members who have questions about Ebola. These might be calls from organisations with operations in West Africa, or from employees sitting at their desks in Europe. With our freely available website and now the new Ebola app, the wider public can access this expertise too,” Quarry comments.

International SOS will exhibit at this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, which will take place at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from February 9 to 12.