Ugandan AI tools to prevent death of pregnant women
Context
The World Health Organization says almost 300,000 women worldwide die annually from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth – that’s more than 800 women every day.
Sub-Saharan Africa only contributes to more than two-third of those deaths, due to poor medical facilities and lack of awareness of the people as well as limited health workers.
Solution
The phone-sized gadget transmits patients’ data such as respiratory rate, oxygen levels, pulse, temperature and blood pressure to a desktop or mobile platform. Algorithms detect at-risk cases and alert doctors.
Impact
U.N. figures show more women and newborns survive now than ever before but nations committed to ending maternal deaths face funding shortfalls, according to women’s rights groups.
New York-based software firm Current Health, which developed the technology, said the technology has the potential to improve postpartum healthcare for women across Africa.