Google and Jacaranda Health have launched an eight-month research project. It aims to transform maternal healthcare in Kenya by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative seeks to address the country’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Limited access to essential prenatal care services drives these rates.
Kenya faces significant challenges in providing adequate prenatal care. Traditional ultrasound machines are costly, require specialized operators, and are prone to power outages. As a result, only 16% of pregnant women in Kenya have access to ultrasound services, contributing to one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally.
The project focuses on testing new handheld ultrasound devices. These devices are designed to be portable, cost-effective, and user-friendly compared to traditional machines. By integrating AI technology, these devices simplify the process of capturing ultrasound images. They also make interpreting images easier. As a result, nurses and technicians with minimal training can perform examinations effectively. If successful, this innovation could transform maternal healthcare in Kenya. It could also be pivotal across the region, particularly in rural and underserved areas. These are places where access to specialized medical equipment and trained personnel is limited.
This initiative is part of Google’s broader commitment to improving public health in Africa. In Nigeria, the company has partnered with the OnTIME Consortium. Together, they have developed a tool that estimates average travel times to emergency obstetric care facilities. This tool could potentially improve access to life-saving care for expectant mothers in the country’s 15 largest cities.
Google’s healthcare innovation efforts extend beyond maternal care. In Uganda, the company has invested $1.5 million in Makerere University’s Ocular project, which uses AI to enhance the diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis, and cervical cancer. The project combines smartphone technology with AI-powered computer vision. It uses existing microscopes to create a mobile microscopy solution. This approach makes advanced diagnostics more accessible in resource-limited settings.
The potential impact of these initiatives is significant. A report by global policy consultancy Public First highlights that every dollar invested in digital technology in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to generate more than two dollars for the region’s economy by 2030. This demonstrates the critical role of connectivity, cloud computing, and AI in fostering economic growth and improving quality of life across the continent.
These projects represent more than technological progress. They offer hope to millions of expectant mothers and their families. These initiatives aim to make quality healthcare a right rather than a privilege. If successful, these initiatives could pave the way for similar programs in other developing regions, potentially revolutionising global maternal healthcare.