eHealth Africa, Jacaranda Health launch AI maternal support platform in Kano

eHealth Africa and Jacaranda Health have launched an AI-enabled maternal health messaging platform, PROMPTS, in Kano State, targeting 25,000 mothers in its initial phase.

PROMPTS (Promoting Mothers in Pregnancy and Postpartum Through SMS) delivers pregnancy and newborn health information directly to users’ mobile phones in Hausa and English. The platform provides personalised guidance aligned with national clinical protocols, allowing expectant and nursing mothers to ask questions and receive tailored responses.

The initiative is designed to expand access to maternal health information, particularly in underserved communities. It also marks the introduction of the platform in Nigeria after deployments in other African countries, including Kenya, where it has reached millions of users.

Under the partnership, eHealth Africa will oversee local adaptation and implementation, including stakeholder engagement and integration within healthcare facilities. Jacaranda Health, which developed the platform, will manage its technical framework, including artificial intelligence capabilities and ongoing updates.

Speaking on the rollout, Jacaranda Health’s Nigerian Representative and Strategic Technical Advisor, Ufuoma Omo-Obi, said Kano presents an opportunity to address maternal health challenges due to the state’s burden of maternal mortality.

He noted that collaboration with eHealth Africa would support large-scale outreach, citing the organisation’s existing networks and links with government institutions.

A senior manager in Global Health Informatics at eHealth Africa, Jamil Galadanci, said the SMS-based design of the platform was intended to overcome barriers linked to internet access and improve usability among target users.

He added that deploying digital tools alone was insufficient without ensuring effective onboarding and engagement of end users.

The programme will also be implemented through the Reach Everyone with Accessible Community Healthcare (REACH) initiative, which will enrol eligible mothers through participating health facilities.

At the launch event held at Gwagwarwa Primary Healthcare Centre, Kano State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the platform could contribute to ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality in the state.

He described the initiative as aligning with the state’s maternal health objectives and urged community participation to support its adoption.

Project stakeholders said the programme would be monitored continuously, with adjustments made based on feedback from users, healthcare workers and policymakers, as efforts continue to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.