> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://prep.pathcheck.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://prep.pathcheck.org/solution/how-do-we-solve-the-grand-challenge.md).

# How do we solve the grand challenge?

Our solution **directly addresses this grand challenge** in public health as follows:

1. Respond to **emerging unusual symptoms** (symptom reporting and heat maps) and identify approximate heatmaps of the location of sick individuals.
2. Respond to **spread** (encourage citizens to test after exposure, automated alerts to close contacts after positive tests and monitoring of quarantine) to break the chain of infections.
3. Respond to **lack of early knowledge** about treatment plans (we gather treatment and outcome info directly from citizens).
4. Respond to **vaccination needs** (convey eligibility, track and remind the second dose, support upload of authentic adverse side effects, and create private vaccine credentials).
5. Respond to the **needs of vulnerable populations** with paper credentials (monitor equitable deployments, communicate with citizens who are reluctant to engage with overzealous law enforcement).
6. Respond to **socio-economic pressures** by making it highly affordable for government and campuses: In a pandemic, it is unclear who should pay for the pandemic response effort. Our free app for citizens is cost-effective.