MomConnect marks its 10th anniversary this year, celebrating a decade of providing pregnant women and new mothers across South Africa with essential health resources, regardless of language or background.
This pioneering initiative by the National Department of Health leverages mobile technology to enhance maternal and child health. Through the platform, women receive free health messages via SMS or WhatsApp and can access a text-based helpdesk for inquiries or feedback.
Since its inception in 2014, nearly five million mothers using public antenatal services have registered on MomConnect at over 95% of public health facilities nationwide. The service offers health and pregnancy-related updates from early pregnancy until a child’s second birthday. Additionally, mothers can seek healthcare advice through an automated chatbot or interact with a human-operated helpdesk for personalized support.
Over the past decade, studies have consistently highlighted the programme’s positive influence on health behaviors, contributing significantly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at reducing maternal mortality and preventing deaths of newborns and children under five.
The initiative’s success is attributed to the collective effort of partner organizations, healthcare professionals, helpdesk operators, and the mothers who have embraced its benefits. Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, reflected on the programme’s visionary origins:
“This initiative has not only empowered women but has also made remarkable strides in reducing maternal mortality and promoting healthy practices,” she said. “We aim to reach another five million mothers, working closely with partners, healthcare professionals, and communities to ensure every mother receives the support she needs.”
A transformative milestone for MomConnect was the integration of WhatsApp and the MomConnect Helpdesk, enabling two-way communication with health professionals for personalized guidance.
Reach Digital Health, which has been MomConnect’s implementing partner since its launch, plays a critical role in integrating personalized digital tools into public healthcare systems. These tools provide underserved communities with crucial health resources, spanning maternal care, HIV/AIDS support, immunization, and beyond.
Debbie Rogers, CEO of Reach Digital Health, praised the National Department of Health for its leadership:
“We are proud to have collaborated in achieving such a significant milestone for maternal and child health in South Africa. By integrating AI into MomConnect, we’ve demonstrated the platform’s potential to scale its impact, delivering vital health information directly to mothers’ fingertips.”
The programme remains a beacon of hope, empowering women while driving South Africa closer to its health and social development goals.
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