University students in Kenya are developing an AI-driven application called Mama's Hub to combat the high maternal mortality rate in the country.
According to the Ministry of Health, over 6,000 women die annually in Kenya due to inadequate access to maternal health services. The Mama's Hub initiative allows healthcare workers to remotely monitor the health of pregnant women and their fetuses, reducing the need for physical hospital visits.
David Saruni, a computer science student at Kabarak University, highlighted the project's aim to prevent pre-eclampsia, a serious condition that can endanger both mothers and infants. “This project is going to save lives,” Saruni stated.
The World Health Organization notes that Africa accounts for more than two-thirds of global maternal deaths, despite a worldwide decline in maternal mortality rates over the past two decades.
The Mama's Hub application utilizes a smartwatch to track vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate, transmitting this data to healthcare workers. Additionally, a chatbot feature is being tested to assist patients in obtaining prescriptions.
Moses Thiga, the principal investigator, emphasized the importance of timely information, stating that early detection of complications can lead to lifesaving interventions. The project also digitizes prenatal care records, enhancing accessibility and follow-up capabilities.
Wendy Tirop, chief nursing officer in Nakuru County, noted that the system has improved record tracing, facilitating better healthcare delivery.