AI-Powered SMS Platform Launches in Kano to Support 25,000 Mothers with Maternal Health
A groundbreaking digital health initiative has been launched in Kano State, targeting significant improvements in maternal and newborn outcomes. eHealth Africa and Jacaranda Health have partnered to deploy an AI-enabled SMS platform, known as PROMPTS (Promoting Mothers in Pregnancy and Postpartum Through SMS), designed to deliver personalized health information directly to the mobile phones of expectant and new mothers.
Expanding Access with Technology
The platform aims to support at least 25,000 women in its initial phase by providing timely and accurate guidance throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. By utilizing an SMS-based model, the service intentionally bypasses the need for reliable internet access, ensuring it reaches users in underserved communities where connectivity may be limited.
According to Jamil Galadanci of eHealth Africa, the challenge extends beyond mere technology deployment to ensuring effective access and usability for end users. "The solution was deliberately designed as an SMS-based platform to avoid the limitations of internet access," he explained, highlighting the strategic approach to inclusivity.
Tailored Support and Integration
Through the PROMPTS service, mothers can ask questions and receive tailored responses aligned with national clinical protocols, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and that of their newborns. The information is delivered in both Hausa and English, catering to the linguistic diversity of Kano State.
eHealth Africa is leading the local rollout, which includes stakeholder engagement, contextual adaptation, and integration with healthcare facilities across Kano. The organization leverages its experience in data-driven public health programmes and partnerships within Nigeria's health system to support adoption. Enrollment is further facilitated through the REACH (Reach Everyone with Accessible Community Healthcare) programme, connecting community-level services to digital health interventions.
Strategic Collaboration and Impact
Speaking at the launch, Ufuoma Omo-Obi, Jacaranda Health's Nigerian representative, emphasized Kano's critical role due to its high maternal health burden. "For both Jacaranda Health and eHealth Africa, Kano represents one of the strongest opportunities to demonstrate impact, especially given the state's maternal health burden and the urgent need to address maternal mortality," he stated.
He added that eHealth Africa's local presence, strong networks, government connections, and learning-oriented approach make this collaboration a vital opportunity not only for implementation but also for generating insights to inform broader health interventions.
Government Endorsement and Future Scalability
Kano State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards reducing maternal mortality. "We are committed to ensuring that no woman loses her life during pregnancy, delivery or the post-delivery period," he said, urging families and communities to support participation in the programme.
PROMPTS is designed as a scalable, government-integrated platform that can be adapted across different regions. Jacaranda Health provides the underlying AI technology and ongoing product innovation, while local partners like eHealth Africa manage implementation within national health systems. Both organizations plan to monitor outcomes and refine the platform based on feedback from users, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
Bridging Information Gaps
As Nigeria continues to explore digital solutions for public health challenges, initiatives like PROMPTS underscore the growing role of technology in expanding access to care. By combining artificial intelligence with widely accessible mobile technology, the programme aims to bridge information gaps and support safer pregnancies and childbirth outcomes in underserved communities, marking a pivotal advancement in maternal health support across the region.
