This article discusses the launch of an AI-driven dashboard designed to improve access to emergency obstetric care for mothers in Ghana. Developed with the OnTIME Consortium, this tool utilizes traffic predictions to estimate travel times to care facilities. It aims to enhance decision-making and resource allocation, addressing the critical challenges women face during emergencies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where maternal mortality rates remain high.
Accessing emergency obstetric care is crucial yet challenging for many women globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Obstacles such as traffic congestion and poor road infrastructure can convert even short distances into life-threatening journeys. This contributes to a troubling global statistic: a maternal death occurs every two minutes, predominantly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
In 2023, a new dashboard was launched to improve access to emergency obstetric care in Ghana. Developed in collaboration with the OnTIME Consortium, this tool utilizes AI-driven traffic predictions akin to those used by Google Maps to estimate travel times to the nearest emergency facilities. This technology aims to help decision-makers identify geographic access issues and respond effectively.
Ghana has made notable strides in reducing maternal mortality and is dedicated to further improvement through innovative solutions. The introduction of this dashboard is expected to bolster these efforts, facilitating continuous advancements toward maternal health goals.
This tool has already proven effective in Nigeria, where it assists organizations like Emergency Resources Africa in optimally allocating resources. It aids in relocating first responders to regions where women experience prolonged travel times to essential care.
As emphasized by Dr. Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas, leader of the OnTIME Consortium, this tool provides a more accurate depiction of pregnant women’s challenges in accessing care. It enables better prioritization of high-risk areas and informs targeted interventions.
This initiative builds upon Google Research Africa’s commitment to leveraging technology for community empowerment, extending to areas such as food security, languages, and weather forecasting.
With aspirations to collaborate with partners in Ghana, there is a vision to expand the dashboard’s reach to other nations. By harnessing technology, the goal is to improve access to emergency obstetric care, thereby saving mothers and newborns’ lives across Africa and beyond.
In summary, the introduction of an AI-driven dashboard in Ghana represents a significant step towards enhancing access to emergency obstetric care for pregnant women. By addressing geographical barriers and facilitating more efficient resource allocation, this initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality rates. Collaborative efforts are essential for the tool’s success and potential expansion to other countries, ultimately striving to save the lives of mothers and newborns in Africa.
Original Source: blog.google
