Celebrating its 10th anniversary, MomConnect is a programme that provides healthcare information for pregnant women and new mothers via a mobile app. Picture: Supplied
The National Department of Health commemorated the 10th anniversary of MomConnect for digitally ensuring maternal and child health care over the past years.
MomConnect is a programme that provides healthcare information for pregnant women and new mothers via a mobile app.
Offered in all 11 South African languages, MomConnect has recently added WhatsApp as one of its exciting features to enable a personalised experience where health professionals can directly communicate with app users.
Participation is voluntary, and pregnant women and new mothers can sign up at clinics nationwide. This ensures that every woman, regardless of her background or language, has access to essential health resources and messages tailored to her specific needs.
Boasting close to five million registered users and 288 051 monthly active users, the programme has an average of 40 000 outbound messages and 38 000 inbound “Ask a Question” (AAQ) messages received monthly.
The MomConnect survey highlighted its key achievements, where it boasts a 96% of antenatal care (ANC) attendance visits. Prenatal mothers attended at least four ANC visits.
Additionally, 89% of mothers confirmed their babies received all six required vaccinations at six weeks old, showing an improved vaccination coverage.
The programme has also increased breast-feeding rates and provided essential family planning guidance, contributing to healthier outcomes for mothers and babies alike.
MomConnect has also been in alignment with the government’s efforts to achieve the 2030 National Development Plan (NDP), aiming to reduce the maternal mortality ratio and eradicate preventable deaths of newborns and children under the age of 5.
Keeping pace with technological advances, MomConnect has recently introduced artificial intelligence (AI) as another feature for effective digital health services of mothers and their newborn babies.
Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, hailed the success of MomConnect.
“This initiative has not only empowered women, but has also made remarkable strides in reducing maternal mortality and promoting healthy practices. As we look to the future, we are committed to reaching five million more mothers, working hand in hand with our partners, healthcare professionals, and communities to ensure every mother has access to the vital support she deserves. Together, let’s shape a healthier future for our next generation,” she said.
Reach Digital Health CEO Debbie Rogers commended the piloting of AI technology in the MomConnect programme, which is set to expand healthcare services and attract a nationwide audience.
Reach Digital Health has been in partnership with the department for 10 years, since 2014.
“Together we will continue to innovate, expand digital health services, empower mothers and impact our country and improve the health and social development of South Africans. Together, we will empower five million more moms. The success of our recent AI integration on the platform shows us the huge potential to scale the impact of MomConnect and offer the best possible health information and experience for moms at their fingertips,” said Rogers.
The Star
hope.mafu@inl.co.za