Japan to trial a mobile solution to slow the spread of disease

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Updated June 17, 2009 20:42:42

There are plans in Japan to use mobile phones to stop the spread of diseases such as swine flu or SARS. The idea is to track every individual on their mobile phone GPS and to warn them if they have crossed paths with someone who has been diagnosed with a highly contagious illness. Trials are due to start in schools in the next few months. But some are concerned about whether the technology is even up to the task.

Presenter: Matt Abud
Speaker: Martyn Williams, bureau chief, IDG news service, Tokyo; Earl Mardle, former chair, Stockholm Challenge

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