Makamba, a novel application developed by a family physician, aims to address adverse pregnancy outcomes in malaria-prone areas of Africa. With over 30 million pregnancies annually in these regions, the risk of maternal anemia and low-birthweight (LBW) babies due to malaria infection is significant.
The Makamba app utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable mothers to maintain a reliable record of their anti-malarial doses and routine medications during pregnancy, facilitating steps to access healthcare. Makamba sends reminders via phone notifications or texts, preventing missed doses and facilitating timely antenatal care appointments.
Evaare Tom, Makamba’s CEO and founder, emphasizes the app’s role in overcoming challenges like mothers forgetting or being unaware of appointments. The app ensures mothers receive reminders based on their appointment schedule, contributing to the well-being of the fetus, especially nearing the expected delivery date.
Makamba provides mothers with a daily summary of baby kicks, along with short educational videos for their understanding. The platform aims to empower and connect expectant mothers throughout their prenatal journey, addressing the unique obstetric needs influenced by cultural and geographical factors, prevalent among mothers facing income inequalities and expensive healthcare in Africa.
The app features a user-friendly interface for tracking gestational age and expected delivery date, offering live chat with doctors and real-time interactions with other moms. Personalized weekly updates, expert articles, and tailored tips enhance the pregnancy experience. Additionally, Makamba provides timely reminders, health tips, and a community support section for mothers to connect, share advice, and be part of a caring community.