AI saving babies lives, in Africa

Imagine a world where an AI system analyses ultrasound images to detect complications, providing timely and accurate diagnostics previously inaccessible to many expectant mothers in low-resource settings.

This AI technology could improve outcomes by enabling early detection of issues and save lives by preventing stillbirths and other complications.

A pilot, started in Uganda in 2024, does just that.

AI removes the constraints of few trained specialists to carry out scans, and uses the ultrasounds to spot problems ahead of time. The first trimester is one of the most critical. A side benefit: It encourages women to have earlier scans.

Ubenwa, in Nigeria, has developed an AI-powered mobile app that records the cries of newborns on mobile phones to detect signs of birth asphyxia, which can lead to severe complications or death if not promptly addressed.

They use machine learning to interpret the acoustic features of a baby's cry.

WHY IT MATTERS: Africa, with its many constraints, often leads to groundbreaking applications and disruptive innovation.

Constraint based innovation is a powerful creative technique.

In a resource rich environment, there is a desire to hold AI solutions to a higher standard than human performance. In resource-constrained settings, AI does not need to be perfect; it needs to be sufficiently effective to make a meaningful difference.

Source
Link to the Article: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/jul/12/i-am-happy-to-see-how-my-baby-is-bouncing-the-ai-transforming-pregnancy-scans-in-africa