Strengthening African healthcare is essential for achieving the continent’s sustainable socio-economic development. Healthcare is not only a service but a fundamental human right, as emphasized by the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 3 of the SDGs seeks to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” Similarly, the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous Africa built on inclusive growth, sustainability, and equitable development.
The State of African Healthcare
African countries have made significant attempts to strengthen healthcare facilities and services. However, widespread poverty, epidemic diseases, limited funding, and food insecurity continue to undermine progress.
Among the most vulnerable to these healthcare challenges are African women, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth.
Antenatal Care (ANC), one of the most critical aspects of maternal healthcare, remains underfunded and poorly resourced across much of Africa.
Many healthcare systems struggle with limited infrastructure, outdated equipment, and shortages of skilled personnel.
Although some progress has been made in reducing child mortality, the provision of comprehensive ANC services is still a challenge in many regions.
Why Antenatal Care (ANC) is Essential
ANC services are crucial in safeguarding the health of pregnant women and their unborn children. Through ANC, women gain access to:
- Nutrient supplements to combat malnutrition.
- Preeclampsia screening and treatment, a major cause of maternal mortality.
- HIV and sexually transmitted disease testing, which prevents vertical transmission from mother to child.
- Child immunization awareness, ensuring protection from preventable diseases.
With access to skilled health personnel, women are encouraged to adopt safe health practices during pregnancy. Yet, despite these benefits, ANC services remain inadequate across much of Africa.
Maternal and Infant Mortality in Africa
Every year, an estimated 1.12 million newborns die in Africa due to preventable causes such as lack of access to healthcare, shortages of medical supplies, and poorly trained health providers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Burundi records a maternal mortality rate of 712 per 100,000 and an infant mortality rate of 38 per 1,000 live births annually.
Economic instability and reliance on external aid, such as U.S. health support which has been scaled back in recent years, have worsened the crisis.
Cultural and religious beliefs also play a role. For instance, in Zimbabwe, congregants of the Johanne Marange Apostolic Church are prohibited from seeking medical care, contributing to higher maternal and infant mortality rates.
Women in rural and remote areas are particularly vulnerable due to poor infrastructure and limited emergency services.
The Role of ANC in Reducing Mortality
ANC plays a preventive role by detecting early signs of diseases and pregnancy complications.
Screening during pregnancy helps healthcare workers intervene before conditions worsen, reducing risks for both mother and child.
Importantly, ANC provides a platform for dialogue between pregnant women and healthcare professionals.
This empowers women to recognize danger signs early and co-develop birth plans for safe delivery in healthcare facilities.
However, social stigma often prevents women—particularly those pregnant out of wedlock—from seeking ANC services.
Fear of expulsion from school, community rejection, and lack of family support continue to delay essential care.
Modern Technologies for Maternal Healthcare in Africa
To tackle these challenges, African policymakers and global health experts are calling for innovative technological solutions to strengthen maternal healthcare.
1. Internet of Things (IoT) in Maternal Health
The African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) encourages the adoption of IoT solutions to expand ANC services. IoT devices such as RF-tags and medical sensors can monitor vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate in real time.
These devices connect to healthcare facilities, allowing professionals to detect complications early and intervene promptly.
2. Blockchain for Secure Health Records
Blockchain technology offers a secure, decentralized system for managing patient data. It ensures transparency, reduces bureaucracy, and prevents loss of medical records. Beyond record-keeping, blockchain can help track medical supplies and identify patterns in maternal health.
Estonia’s success in implementing blockchain for healthcare demonstrates its potential to improve data integrity and efficiency in Africa.
3. Telemedicine for Rural Healthcare Access
Telemedicine uses digital communication tools to provide healthcare remotely. For rural women with limited access to hospitals, telemedicine enables virtual consultations, e-prescriptions, and follow-ups.
India’s telehealth market, projected to reach $4.19 billion by 2025, serves as a strong example for Africa. By leveraging mobile phones and internet platforms, Africa can extend medical expertise to underserved regions.
Learning from Global Success Stories
Countries like Nepal have demonstrated that strong policies can reduce maternal deaths. By making maternity care free and offering financial incentives for facility-based births, Nepal drastically improved maternal health outcomes. Africa can replicate such strategies by combining policy reforms with technology-driven solutions.
Conclusion
Strengthening maternal healthcare in Africa requires comprehensive ANC services, cultural and community awareness, and the integration of modern technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and telemedicine.
By investing in these areas, African governments, development partners, and healthcare providers can drastically reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
A future where every African woman has access to quality antenatal care is not just a dream but an achievable reality—and it is central to building a healthier, more prosperous Africa.