For immediate release
Nairobi, Kenya, 21 March, Savannah Informatics Global Health Institute (SGHI) today announced that it has been selected as part of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Health Equity Initiative, a $60 million, three-year commitment supporting organisations that are developing solutions to advance health equity.
SGHI has received computing credits and technical expertise from AWS to leverage a generative AI-powered mDaktari OptimalHealth platform for comprehensive education, care, and health system navigation in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services (RMNCH) in Kenya. Through artificial intelligence, SGHI will harness the capabilities of this cutting-edge technology to promote inclusive healthcare solutions and address health disparities in Kenya.
Through the initiative, AWS offers its credits and customised technical expertise to selected organisations around the world that want to leverage AWS services to improve health outcomes and health equity in any of the following areas: 1) increasing access to high-quality, culturally responsive health services; 2) increasing access to responsive social and community support; and 3) mitigating the impact of climate change on health and quality of life.
The support from AWS will advance SGHI’s efforts to leverage a generative AI-powered mDaktari OptimalHealth platform for comprehensive education, care, and health system navigation in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services (RMNCH) in Kenya. These interventions, aimed at achieving health equity, strive to create a state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Health equity encompasses a commitment to addressing disparities and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status or background, can access and benefit from the advancements in healthcare, promoting a more inclusive and just healthcare system.
This project aligns with the AWS grant’s primary aim of "reducing disparities by addressing social determinants of health and the secondary aim of “improving access to healthcare." By empowering the healthcare workforce with advanced tools, providing comprehensive health education, and improving care navigation, we strive to democratise healthcare access and improve health equity.
The SGHI and MDaktari teams in Nairobi.
This initiative is aimed at reducing health disparities in Nairobi, Kisumu, Coast, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Kirinyaga counties. Focused on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCH) services, the project employs AI-driven digital tools developed through participatory design, local capacity building, and collaboration with community stakeholders. By addressing critical gaps in healthcare, the initiative seeks to enhance healthcare provider capacity, improve health literacy, and streamline access to quality services. The goal is to significantly impact community health outcomes, contributing to the reduction of maternal and under-five mortality rates. This project signifies a step towards achieving health equity and resilience in the Kenyan healthcare system.
“We stand at the threshold of transforming healthcare through technology to impact those with the highest need. Our commitment at Access Afya has always been to leverage cutting-edge technology to make healthcare accessible and equitable for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. The mDaktari OptimalHealth platform is a testament to this vision. This initiative represents more than progress; it symbolises empowerment and the unwavering belief that we can overcome healthcare disparities and build a more inclusive world. Our journey with SGHI and AWS marks a pivotal moment in achieving health equity, demonstrating that with the right collaborators and technological advancements, we can ensure health for all—a right, not a privilege,” said
Dr. Daphne Ngunjiri, CEO, Access Afya
“We are deeply honoured and grateful for the support extended by Amazon Web Services towards our mission at SGHI. This grant marks a pivotal moment in our journey to revolutionise healthcare accessibility and delivery in Kenya. With AWS's backing, we are empowered to harness the transformative potential of our mDaktari OptimalHealth platform, ensuring that every individual, especially within Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services, receives the comprehensive care and guidance they deserve. Together, we embark on a path towards healthier futures, driven by innovation, compassion, and a shared commitment to advancing global health equity,” said
Dr. Justus Kilonzi, President, Savannah Informatics Global Health Institute (SGHI)
“AWS believes individual health outcomes should not depend on socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or neighbourhood. Cloud technology can help address inequities in global health to expand access to the services people need to live longer, healthier lives, no matter who they are or where they live. Through the AWS Health Equity Initiative, we look forward to helping SGHI and other organisations worldwide use the power of cloud computing to advance health equity and improve health outcomes,” said
Maggie Carter, Global Lead, Director, Social Responsibility and Impact, AWS.
To learn more about the AWS initiative, visit https://aws.amazon.com/health/health-equity/.
Savannah Informatics Global Health Institute (SGHI)
SGHI is an ecosystem builder and optimizer that supports philanthropy and community efforts to leverage investment and deliver lasting impact. Due to rising income levels, we acknowledge the changing healthcare landscape in African countries and emerging markets. Our mission is to foster local expertise and implement responsive approaches to health system strengthening and technology. We strive to develop home-grown solutions to address local health issues, recognising the interconnectedness of healthcare targets with broader growth and development goals. Through sustainable partnerships, we aim to advance universal health coverage on the African continent and globally, emphasising the importance of culturally relevant and locally driven initiatives. Our commitment is to bridge the gap between evolving healthcare needs and innovative solutions, ensuring resilient and adaptive health systems that contribute to holistic and sustainable development. To learn more about the Savannah Informatics Global Health Institute, please visit the Savannah Informatics Global Health Institute.