Savannah Informatics Global Health Institute (SGHI) has been selected as part of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Health Equity Initiative.
The AWS initiative is a $60 million, three-year commitment supporting organizations that are developing solutions to advance health equity.
It 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.
SGHI has received computing credits and technical expertise from AWS to leverage a generative AI-powered mDaktari Optimal Health 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.
“We are deeply honored 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 revolutionize healthcare accessibility and delivery in Kenya. With AWS’s backing, we are empowered to harness the transformative potential of our mDaktari Optimal Health 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 organizations 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.
Through the initiative, AWS offers its credits and customized technical expertise to selected organizations around the world that want to leverage AWS services to improve health outcomes and health equity in any of the following areas that aim at, increasing access to high-quality, culturally responsive health services, increasing access to responsive social and community support and mitigating the impact of climate change on health and quality of life.
SGHI’s 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 democratize healthcare access and improve health equity.
“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 Optimal Health platform is a testament to this vision. This initiative represents more than progress; it symbolizes 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