In Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, significant advancements in maternal healthcare have emerged through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled monitoring systems. Ellen Kaphamtengo, an 18-year-old experiencing sharp abdominal pain in her ninth month of pregnancy, sought medical help with the assistance of her mother. The urgency of her situation was clear when she was taken to the Area 25 health centre, where she initially learned that her symptoms were a false alarm. However, a subsequent ultrasound revealed the baby’s growth was less than expected for her pregnancy stage, prompting further concerns regarding potential birth asphyxia.
Birth asphyxia is a critical issue in Malawi, where approximately 19 out of every 1,000 newborns die either during delivery or within the first month of life. This condition can lead to severe complications, including brain damage, developmental delays, and cerebral palsy. In Kaphamtengo's case, after being classified as a high-risk patient, an AI-enabled foetal monitoring software detected a concerning drop in the baby’s heart rate. Timely intervention by the medical team was crucial, as the stress test indicated that the baby would not endure the labour process successfully.
Chikondi Chiweza, the head of maternal care at Area 25 health centre, responded quickly, knowing there was a limited window to deliver the baby via caesarean section for optimal health outcomes. Her extensive experience as a practitioner in busy public hospitals in Lilongwe informs her awareness of how quickly circumstances can change during childbirth. Speaking about Kaphamtengo’s experience, Chiweza noted, “In Kaphamtengo’s case, we would have only discovered what we did either later on, or with the baby as a stillbirth.”
The foetal monitoring software, provided by the childbirth safety technology firm PeriGen, has been linked to a significant reduction in stillbirths and neonatal deaths since its implementation three years ago. The software continuously tracks vital signs during labour, offering clinicians immediate alerts regarding any abnormalities, which has proven to be a transformative tool in delivering care at the hospital. Chiweza expressed that the hospital's innovative approach has resulted in an 82% decline in adverse outcomes since adopting AI technology, marking it as the sole facility in Malawi employing such equipment.
Jeffrey Wilkinson, an obstetrician from Texas Children’s Hospital, emphasised the importance of monitoring during the critical delivery period, stating, “You can prevent most deaths by making sure the baby is safe during the delivery process.” The AI system’s efficiency is particularly vital in resource-limited settings like Malawi, where there is often a shortage of skilled healthcare workers. The traditional methods of monitoring typically require healthcare providers to perform periodic checks, which can lead to oversight and increased risk. In contrast, the AI system offers continuous, real-time data that simplifies the monitoring process while requiring less time and equipment.
With around 8,000 deliveries each year and a team of 80 physicians at Area 25 health centre, only about 10% of the staff were previously trained in conventional electronic monitoring. However, most staff members can now effectively utilise the AI software, enhancing their ability to identify potential risks during childbirth. The introduction of AI has also standardised critical processes of maternal care, allowing for more consistent assessments of foetal health.
Kaphamtengo, who now cradles her newborn son, Justice, believes that the early intervention afforded by medical professionals may have saved her child’s life. She expressed gratitude for the timely actions taken, stating, “They were able to discover that my baby was distressed early enough to act.”
Looking towards the future, hospital authorities intend to advocate for the adoption of AI technology in additional healthcare facilities across Malawi and potentially throughout the African continent. Chiweza remarked, "AI technology is being used in many fields, and saving babies’ lives should not be an exception. It can really bridge the gap in the quality of care that underserved populations can access."
Source: Noah Wire Services