Covid-19 prevention app more popular than TikTok, YouTube

It followed social network app Facebook, American messaging app Messenger, and Vietnamese messaging app Zalo in the list of most downloaded free app by iOS users this year.

Among iOS users, the Electronic Health Book app has proved more popular than the Chinese short video platform TikTok, video streaming platform YouTube and e-commerce apps like Shopee and Lazada.

The Electronic Health Book app, released by the Ministry of Health in mid-2021, helps people proactively manage their health information. On the app, each person has a medical record directly connected to the ministry system.

The Electronic Health Book (So Suc Khoe Dien Tu) is fourth in the list of free apps downloaded in Vietnam by iOS users in 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Khuong Nha

The app has been one of Vietnam's important pandemic prevention apps in registering, receiving vaccination results, making medical declarations, and booking medical appointments.

On Nov. 13, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Public Security agreed that PC-Covid will be the only app for Covid-19 prevention and control. PC-Covid has only been available on the App Store and Google Play since Sept. 30 and is currently in 11th position on the list.

Meanwhile, the VNeID app of the Ministry of Public Security helps local authorities identify and establish a person’s bonafides. The Electronic Health Book app manages people's health information. Both apps will remain even after the pandemic ends in order to serve the public, authorities have said.

Compared with other pandemic apps, the Electronic Health Book app is highly appreciated for its stable operation, quick and accurate recording of vaccination information.

Another app making it to the top 10 popular free apps in Vietnam is VssID - Digital Social Insurance run by the welfare agency Vietnam Social Security.