Department of Health celebrates 10 years of maternal health initiative

The South African National Department of Health proudly marks the 10th anniversary of MomConnect, a groundbreaking maternal health initiative that has transformed maternal and child health services across the country.

This pioneering programme launched to leverage mobile technology has reached nearly five million registered mothers, a testament to the significant progress made over the past decade.

Since its inception, MomConnect has grown to be more than just a support service; it has become an indispensable tool in the healthcare journey of South African mothers.

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The programme is accessible in all 11 official languages, offering SMS messages to ensure inclusivity.

A WhatsApp support channel is available in English, creating an accessible communication pathway for mothers seeking assistance.

Participation is voluntary and facilitated through registration at clinics nationwide, ensuring every woman, regardless of language or background, receives tailored health resources and messages.

MomConnect’s services extend through all the stages of pregnancy and early childhood to deliver vital health information and encourage positive health behaviours.

This model has proven crucial during critical periods, providing consistent, stage-based digital messaging that has impacted maternal and infant health outcomes.

A significant innovation in the programme’s journey was the WhatsApp support integration and the MomConnect Helpdesk, fostering meaningful two-way communication between mothers and healthcare professionals. This allowed for more personalised support and immediate responses to health queries.

The 2023 addition of responsible AI capabilities further expanded the platform’s capabilities, enhancing service efficiency and scalability.

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“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of MomConnect, we honour a decade of groundbreaking support for pregnant women and their children in SA,” says Gauteng MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.

“MomConnect has empowered nearly five million mothers with essential health information and services, contributing significantly to reducing maternal mortality and promoting healthy practices.

“We are committed to continuing this journey and reaching five million more mothers to create a healthier future for the next generation.”

MomConnect has shown its impact through impressive statistics:

• Antenatal care attendance: 96% of mothers surveyed reported attending at least four antenatal visits.
• Vaccination rates: 89% of surveyed mothers confirmed their babies received the recommended six-week vaccinations.
• Improved breastfeeding practices and enhanced family planning guidance.
• These accomplishments align with the government’s National Development Plan, which aims to lower the maternal mortality ratio and prevent newborn and child deaths.

“We are proud to have collaborated on MomConnect and contributed to this tremendous achievement.

“The programme’s success and recent AI advancements illustrate the potential for digital health services to empower millions more mothers and enhance the overall health landscape in SA,” added Debbie Rogers, the CEO of Reach Digital Health.

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MomConnect’s 10th-anniversary celebration commemorates past successes and underscores the ongoing commitment to expand and innovate.

By increasing public awareness and fostering continued collaboration with stakeholders, MomConnect aims to further its reach and impact.

How to register for MomConnect
Pregnant women or new mothers can join MomConnect in these ways:
• Send “join” on WhatsApp to 079 631 2456;
• Dial 134550*2# (free);
• Scan the QR code at participating clinics;
• Registration requires a facility code provided by a public clinic nurse and an estimated delivery date.

Participating clinics in Kempton Park:
• Birchleigh Clinic at the Wynand Marais Community Centre, corner of Houtkapper Street and Olienhout Avenue, Birchleigh.
• Bonaero Park Clinic, corner of Alder Grove and Louis Botha Avenue in Kempton Park.
• Kemp Park Civic Clinic at the Kempton Park Civic Centre, corner of CR Swart and Pretoria roads.
• Spartan Clinic on H Lewis Street in Spartan.
• Birchleigh North Clinic at the Coen Scholtz Centre on Mooifontein Road in Birchleigh North.

Participating clinics in Thembisa and surrounds:
• Erin Clinic, 676 Nasa Street, Thembisa.
• Ethafeni Clinic, 43 Bennin Street, Ethafeni Park, Thembisa.
• Tembisa Health Clinic, 19 George Nyanga Street, Thembisa.
• Tembisa Main Clinic, 11 Isithebe Section, Thami Mnyele Street, Thembisa.
• Winnie Mandela Clinic, 9044 Madiba Drive, Winnie Mandela Park, Thembisa.
Additional clinics include the Itireleng, Phomolong and Duduza clinics and others in the surrounding areas.