Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
17 May 2024 | 23:10 SAST
1-minute read

Image: Harvard Business School

Dr Pieter Jooste, a retired paediatrician with over three decades of experience, has used his expertise to develop two free mobile applications aimed at assisting South African parents in determining when their children require medical attention.

Dr Jooste, who retired in 2020, identified a need during his tenure at Kimberley Hospital, where he observed instances of parents bringing in their children too late due to a lack of awareness regarding concerning symptoms.

The two apps, tailored for infants from birth to two months and children up to five years old, respectively, work in conjunction with the website Child Health For All. Their primary goal is to educate and inform parents about crucial symptoms indicative of potential health issues in their children’s development.

During an interview on Radio Islam, Dr Jooste explained his motivation behind developing the applications, citing a desire to learn coding as well as a passion for spreading awareness about childhood health concerns.

He emphasised the importance of addressing both over-anxious and under-attentive parental tendencies, acknowledging the challenge of finding a balance between seeking medical attention too early or too late.

The apps feature a user-friendly interface where parents can select specific symptoms they are concerned about, such as coughing or difficulty breathing. Based on the selected symptom, the app provides guidance categorised into green, yellow, and red sections, indicating the severity of the situation and whether immediate medical attention is necessary.

While Dr Jooste has yet to receive success stories or testimonials from parents who have used the apps, he encourages feedback and hopes to hear from users who have benefited from the guidance provided.

He advises parents to err on the side of caution and seek help if unsure, emphasising that the apps serve as guidelines rather than definitive diagnoses.

Play store:

0-2 months
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.babyhealth

2-60 months
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.childhealth

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie here.