Digital innovation is revolutionizing maternal and newborn healthcare in Rwanda, empowering healthcare professionals to identify risks early...
Digital innovation is revolutionizing maternal and newborn healthcare in Rwanda, empowering healthcare professionals to identify risks early, improve the quality of care provided, and extend their reach to women residing in remote areas. Through the integration of technologies like artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and mobile health applications, the nation is actively addressing persistent disparities in access to timely and safe medical assistance. One such initiative, known as the "Virtual Hospital," enables hospitals and specialists across the country to collaboratively monitor expectant mothers facing the greatest risks, thereby preventing potentially fatal outcomes.
While Rwanda has demonstrated progress in reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates, the issue remains a significant concern. Official figures from the Ministry of Health indicate that over 200 mothers died during childbirth in the period spanning 2024-2025, a decrease from approximately 300 deaths recorded in the preceding year. Concurrently, around 3,000 newborns tragically lost their lives during the same timeframe.
Addressing the Challenges
Dr. Muhammed Semakula, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the gravity of the situation during the Africa HealthTech Summit held in Kigali on October 14th. "While these numbers may seem small compared to other countries, even a single maternal death during childbirth is a serious problem," he stated. He further elaborated on the multifaceted causes contributing to these deaths, including:
- Limited access to healthcare services
- Delays in seeking medical attention
- Lack of awareness regarding potential complications
However, Dr. Semakula expressed optimism regarding the impact of innovative approaches in accelerating response times and ultimately saving lives.
Real-Time Data for Proactive Intervention
Dr. Semakula highlighted Rwanda's shift away from relying solely on periodic national surveys for assessing maternal healthcare needs. Instead, the country has implemented digital systems that provide real-time data from hundreds of healthcare facilities nationwide. This real-time information facilitates more effective monitoring and enables a swifter response to critical cases.
He further explained, "The Ministry of Health is also leveraging digital tools to identify pregnant women who are at a higher risk of experiencing complications. This predictive capability allows us to ensure that these women receive enhanced attention and care, ultimately safeguarding both the mother and the baby."
The "Virtual Hospital" Initiative
The "Virtual Hospital," operating under the National Health Service Center, plays a pivotal role in connecting district hospitals with specialized expertise based in Kigali. This initiative prioritizes ten hospitals that have historically reported the highest number of maternal deaths.
The virtual hospital model allows a small team of specialists to provide remote support to more than ten facilities, effectively addressing the shortage of specialized personnel in individual hospitals. Pregnant women identified as being at high risk are enrolled in the system, enabling doctors at the national level to remotely monitor their cases and provide guidance to local healthcare providers in delivering appropriate care.
Dr. Semakula emphasized the benefits of this approach, stating, "This setup ensures that women in rural districts have access to supervision from experienced doctors. The observations made by local doctors are also visible to our specialists at the National Health Service Center, and these collaborative efforts are already yielding positive results."
Progress Towards National Goals
Rwanda's maternal mortality ratio currently stands at 79 deaths per 100,000 live births, bringing the nation closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal target of 70. The Ministry of Health has set an ambitious goal to reach this global target within the next five years.
"With continued commitment and the implementation of practical solutions, we are confident in our ability to achieve this goal," Dr. Semakula affirmed.
Mama Guide: Empowering Women with Information
Another notable initiative is "Mama Guide," a maternal health resource accessible through Umubyeyi Elevate, a health tech solution designed to reduce maternal deaths and complications.
Mama Guide provides women with easily understandable and accurate information throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period. It equips them with knowledge about warning signs, helps them prepare for clinic visits, and empowers them to take better care of themselves and their babies.
Developed by Dr. Marie Chantal Umunyana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Mama Guide utilizes culturally relevant messages, reminders, and illustrations to promote healthy practices and connect women with reliable health advice.
Dr. Umunyana emphasized the importance of meeting women where they are, stating, "Women and families are already using digital tools, so our focus should be on providing accurate information in a readily accessible format, listening to their concerns, and addressing their questions and challenges."
She added, "During our community sessions, we actively listen to women and develop tools based on their specific concerns, ensuring that they receive continuous support between sessions. Partnerships are essential in bringing together experts, funders, and communities. For innovation to be successful, it must be inclusive, locally owned, and sustainable."
Policy and Skills Development
Dr. Albert Tuyishime, Head of the Department for HIV/AIDS, Disease Prevention and Control at RBC, highlighted the importance of policy decisions in maximizing the impact of digital tools in maternal, child, and adolescent health.
He noted that Rwanda has prioritized digital health within the Ministry of Health's strategic plan, strengthened data governance, upgraded community and facility systems, introduced telemedicine regulations, and invested in training healthcare workers.
Dr. Tuyishime emphasized that providing individuals with the necessary skills to effectively utilize these technologies is crucial for realizing their full potential.
COMMENTS