MTN Group Foundation and the Gates Foundation have launched an artificial intelligence-powered maternal health programme. It is aimed at reaching 500,000 Nigerian women by 2030.
According to Vanguard, the four-year Nigeria Maternal Health Multiplier will also equip 5,000 frontline health workers with digital tools. Moreover, it will support 500 primary healthcare centres.
The two organisations are committing an initial $25 million to the programme between 2026 and 2030.
The partnership was announced in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
AI tools to support mothers, health workers
The initiative will provide phone-based AI tools that can help mothers and healthcare workers identify pregnancy and childbirth complications earlier.
In addition, the programme will provide affordable smartphones, mobile data and improved connectivity, particularly in underserved communities.
It will support the Federal Government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.
Communications Minister Bosun Tijani said the partnership showed how Nigeria could use digital transformation to improve essential services.
“Partnerships like this reflect the kind of collaboration we want to see more of in Nigeria, one that puts the country’s digital transformation to work for the people who need it most,” Tijani said.
Programme targets maternal deaths
Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate said the project would strengthen primary healthcare and support frontline workers.
“Partnerships that work with our existing health systems, rather than around them, are exactly what’s needed to reach mothers who are still falling through the cracks,” Pate said.
MTN Group President Ralph Mupita said technology could help women access reliable information and healthcare support. This can happen regardless of where they live.
Meanwhile, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman said AI could improve healthcare only if underserved populations also benefit from the technology.
The organisations said they hope the initial investment will attract additional funding. Furthermore, it could allow the programme to expand into other markets.
