Artificial intelligence (AI) is unlocking new solutions to help solve global challenges—discover the stories of two innovators harnessing AI to improve lives across Africa. Meet Nneka Mobisson. After losing her father to a preventable health condition, Nneka channeled her grief into a mission to help people across Africa living with chronic diseases. She co-founded mymdoc, a health tech company in Lagos, Nigeria, that created Kem, an AI chatbot that provides people with critical health information in both Nigerian Pidgin and English. "We recognized that by investing in preventative care and focusing on behavior change and nudges, we’d be able to stop what happened to my father from happening to other families,” says Nneka. Meet Darlington Akogo, founder & CEO of minoHealth AI Labs. With only one doctor for every 10,000 people living in Ghana, Darlington knew a shortage of clinicians shouldn’t determine someone’s medical fate. So, he decided to make a difference by creating “AI digital doctors” to give Africans control of their health. "We are finally on the path of what the true dream of AI is. If we can use it to actually improve and save lives, I think that is the ultimate AI achievement." Innovators like Nneka and Darlington are showing how AI can bridge critical gaps in healthcare—paving the way for a future where everyone has the tools they need to live healthier lives.

We're thrilled to share a recent op-ed co-authored by our very own Africa Director, Paulin BASINGA, and Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer at Science for Africa Foundation.    In "Why Africa has a real chance to lead the way in AI," Paulin and Evelyn make a compelling case for Africa's potential to drive innovation and growth through artificial intelligence.    Read this insightful piece here: https://lnkd.in/dnwXRgWv   Let's continue to amplify African voices and perspectives in the global conversation on AI and beyond!     #AfricaInAI #Innovation #GlobalHealth

Excessive bleeding after childbirth is the number one cause of maternal deaths worldwide. But, there is a solution. Hadiza Galadanci found an answer after saving her cousin’s life during a near-fatal postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Half of the women who have PPH are never diagnosed because health workers often struggle to determine how much blood loss is too much. The solution, however, is “shockingly straightforward”: a plastic sheet and pouch placed under a mom to collect blood, helping health workers measure the collected blood quickly and accurately. This simple tool is transforming care in Nigeria and beyond, bringing us closer to a world where all women have healthy pregnancies, healthy deliveries, and healthy babies. What other innovations does the world need so all moms and their children get a safe start?

This month’s newsletter highlights innovations making healthcare more accessible. From drone vaccine deliveries in Rwanda, to solar-powered fridges in Malawi, to the dedicated efforts of local health leaders like Nandipha Titana, we are seeing groundbreaking solutions reach the communities that need them most:

Over the past 25 years, we’ve made tremendous strides in maternal and newborn health, but millions of lives are still at risk. From AI-powered ultrasounds to intrapartum sensors, life-saving technologies are transforming how we care for mothers and babies around the world. These innovations are making essential care more accessible, helping healthcare workers identify risks early and monitor vital signs in real time, even in the most remote areas. But the work isn’t done. To save more lives, we must expand access to these technologies and invest in solutions that ensure every mother and child gets the care they deserve. Together, we can continue to drive change and build a healthier future where no mom, baby or child dies of a preventable cause.

On my last trip to Kenya, I visited partners who are strengthening the country's food system, and one innovation stood out to me: dual-purpose chickens.   This weekend, The New York Times shared another example of how partners in Zambia are also leveraging this small-but-mighty bird to help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change. Extreme weather in the region challenges farmers with droughts that lead to food shortages. The Zambro chickens provide a stable resource amid the changing climate conditions because they need less water and feed while also being more resistant to disease.   When farmers have access to innovations, they are more resilient to the impacts of climate change and can create sustainable food systems in their countries. https://lnkd.in/efP4_wYP.

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The need to support health programs is as urgent as ever. Vaccines remain one of the most cost-effective ways to save lives and drive future prosperity. That benefits everyone no matter where you live.  As health needs grow, vaccinating against preventable diseases must remain a global priority. Natasha Loder breaks down what’s at stake: https://lnkd.in/gNzY6iGd

Many might think tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of the past. Think again. Despite progress, TB is still one of the deadliest infections in the world—and about 5-10% of people infected with the bacteria will eventually get symptoms and develop the disease. Drug resistance, missed diagnoses, and gaps in care are making TB even harder to tackle, with some communities disproportionately impacted. But this is only part of the story. New scientific discoveries, a breakthrough vaccine candidate, and faster, simpler treatments are coming into focus—offering the strongest chance yet to change the trajectory of TB.

Scientific breakthroughs are reshaping the fight against TB, bringing us closer to a world where this disease no longer claims lives. CEO Mark Suzman sat down with Professors Kelly Chibale and Valerie Mizrahi, and Dr. Akhona Vava in South Africa to discuss the future of TB drug discovery and why local research is essential to global health advancements. Public health progress must happen where the impact is greatest, and Africa is leading the way in TB research. Tune into the full video: https://gates.ly/4iSidvS