How AI Is Transforming Maternal & Newborn Care In Africa
It is easy to spend a lot of time reflecting on how AI is being used to undermine rights. But, we also have to accept it has capacity for great good; both things can be simultaneously true.
It is easy to spend a lot of time reflecting on how AI is being used to undermine rights. But, we also have to accept it has capacity for great good; both things can be simultaneously true. Consider Africa, where AI is currently enhancing the reproductive rights of women, and reducing mortality rates in pregnancy and beyond.
A dire reality
According to the WHO in 2022, Africa accounted for 57% of global under-five deaths, despite only representing 30% of global live births. The neonatal mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa stood at 27 per 1000 live births, some of the highest rates globally. The scale of the challenge faced in reducing these deaths is tremendous.
Reducing Fatalities In Malawi
One inspiring example comes from a hospital in Malawi. The introduction of AI-powered monitoring systems has led to an 82% reduction in fatalities in just three years. This breakthrough demonstrates how technology, when applied in critical care settings, can swiftly improve outcomes and save lives. The story, as reported by The Guardian, shows the potential for scaling such innovations across other regions facing similar challenges.
Expanding Access to Maternal Health with Philips Lumify
Another remarkable development is the Philips Lumify; a portable scanning device that is redefining maternal healthcare on the continent.
Recently receiving a $60 million investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Lumify is evolving with AI features that automate the scanning process, making it accessible to non-technical users.
This innovation means that issues in early pregnancy, which previously might have taken medical professionals weeks to diagnose, can now be identified within hours by individuals with minimal training. More details in this Philips press release.
Not Without Challenges
Such innovations do not come without challenges. They rely heavily on external investment, and it's critical that this technology can be sustained when the investment is no longer present. This is not to diminish the work that's being done, but to highlight we are being shown what's possible with appropriate prioritisation.
It's also important to consider how AI, while helping reproductive rights in this instance, could more broadly improve reproductive rights throughout the world. What has been outlined here is one part of a jigsaw. We also need to use technology to provide access to a wider range of services such as contraception, safe abortion and education.
A glimpse of what's to come
The transformative effect of AI in healthcare extends well beyond these statistics and success stories. These innovations and others like them pave the way to more equitable access to basic healthcare; even in resource constrained places.
This revolution in maternal healthcare directly contributes to enhancing reproductive rights. By harnessing the power of AI, Healthcare providers can not only diagnose, and treat conditions quicker, but also reimagine a system where every life is given the best possible chance of a healthy start.
