A computer scientist in Pakistan is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) tool aimed at improving maternal health care in under-resourced clinics.
Maryam Mustafa, an assistant professor at the Department of Computer Science at the Lahore University of Management Sciences and co-founder of Awaaz-e-Sehat, is leading the initiative. Her work focuses on addressing critical gaps in prenatal care that contribute to high maternal mortality rates in the country.
In many Pakistani clinics, doctors often have only a few minutes per patient, limiting their ability to conduct comprehensive assessments. This constraint can result in missed diagnoses of conditions such as preeclampsia, anemia, and gestational diabetes. Mustafa’s AI tool is designed to assist healthcare workers by analyzing patient data to identify potential risks, thereby facilitating earlier interventions.
The AI system integrates with portable ultrasound devices, enabling midwives and nurses to perform scans without the need for specialist sonographers. This approach not only extends the reach of prenatal care but also reduces the cost and training barriers associated with traditional ultrasound equipment.
The project has received support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has committed $370 million annually from 2023 to 2027 to support maternal, newborn, and child health initiatives, including the development of AI-enabled medical devices.
By leveraging AI technology, Mustafa aims to empower healthcare providers in low-resource settings, ultimately improving outcomes for mothers and their babies across Pakistan.