About MAMALINK
MAMALINK is a software platform that allows community health workers to provide maternal healthcare service delivery in low-resource settings.
MAMALINK stores and provides access to antenatal and postnatal information for classification, appointment/ reminders diagnostic aid, analysis of patient data and progress via a mobile device to enhance maternal health care in a community.
MAMALINK provides timely information that allows health personnel to review and manage maternal healthcare information, facilitating timely decision making and referrals.
MAMALINK will integrate basic generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) features to support maternal health service delivery.
1. Proposed Solution
The diagram below details the conceptual MAMALINK system with its constituent components or modules.
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No |
Component |
Description |
|
1 |
Internet |
This is central to the full operation of the AI system. Internet access is needed to have a country-wide access to MAMALINK. |
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2 |
MAMALINK |
This is central to all system operations, and is composed of AI predictive data from the health information system |
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3 |
Users |
These are the users of MAMALINK |
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4 |
Software |
These are software components that will be designed and are integrated to work with MAMALINK. |
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5 |
Clean Energy System |
The study intends to provide clean energy system such as Solar power in areas that face electricity blackouts |
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6 |
MoH Information Systems and Other Hospital Databases |
MAMALINK will be designed to integrate with selected hospital databases using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). |
Table 1: Presents a summary description of AI system components.
2. Development Phases
MAMALINK software platform is being implemented in three phases:
Phase 1: Research and Planning
- Conduct needs assessment and stakeholder consultations.
- Define app features and functionalities. • Define web application functionalities
- Develop a project plan and timeline.
Phase 2: Development and Testing
- Design and develop the mobile application.
- Design and develop the web application.
- Conduct user testing and gather feedback.
- Refine and optimize the app based on user feedback.
Phase 3: Deployment and Evaluation
- Launch the app in target regions.
- Monitor usage and gather data on health outcomes.
- Evaluate the impact and make necessary adjustments.
Phase 4: Generative AI Integration
- Integrate generative AI features in the mobile and web app and functionalities
Phase 5: Integrate Other Health Information Systems and Databases
- Integrate MAMALINK to selected hospital databases using APIs.
3. Case Study Areas (Research Locations)
The research is be undertaken in Uganda. Four public hospitals/ health facilities in two cities have been identified as case study areas. These include: -
|
No |
City |
Hospital/ Health Facility |
Brief Description |
|
1 |
Soroti |
Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH) |
SRRH is one of the 13 public RRH in the country, located 320 kilometres northeast of Kampala. Opened as a syphilis treatment centre in the mid-1920s, it became a district hospital in 1978 and was elevated to a RRH in 1996.
SRRH serves a population of 300,000 located in the Soroti district. With a capacity of 500 beds, the hospital offers general and specialized services to people in Samurai, Bukedea, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Kumi, Serere, Ngora and Soroti districts. |
|
Princess Diana Memorial Health Centre IV |
Princess Diana Memorial Health Center IV is a hospital in Soroti city. |
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2 |
Mbale |
Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) |
Mbale Regional Referral Hospital is a public and government funded hospital. It is located 250km east of Kampala in the Centre of Mbale City.
The Hospital serves a population of over 4.6 million people in 16 districts of Busia, Tororo, Butaleja, Pallisa, Budaka, Mbale, Bududa, Sironko, Manafwa, Namisindwa, Butebo, Kapchorwa, Kibuku, Bukwo, Kween and Bulambuli. Started 1924 as a health Centre and has since grown to a 500-bed capacity Regional Referral hospital. |
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Namatala Health Centre IV
|
Namatala Health Center IV is a public hospital in Mbale District, that is managed by the government to deliver services closer to the public.
It is in a slum area in Namatala and serves thousands of people in the community. |
Table 2: Showing proposed Hospitals/ Health Facilities
4. Background and Problem
The maternal mortality rate in Uganda remains among the highest in the world, with 219 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, neonatal mortality of 16 per 1,000 live births and child mortality of 53 per 1,000 live births (Ministry of Health, 2022). The Ministry of Health (2022) and Sserwanja et al. (2022) assert that maternal healthcare challenges such as lack of information and awareness, failure to attend antenatal services, poor infrastructure, unskilled or unmotivated healthcare workers, and/or a poor referral system each contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality challenges.
These challenges present impediments in achieving timely and quality maternal healthcare needed to prevent maternal mortality. The challenges have led to woman facing delays in:
- Decision to seek maternal healthcare.
- Reaching areas where maternal healthcare is provided.
- Receiving adequate maternal healthcare.
To resolve some of these challenges, the Government of Uganda (GoU) through the Ministry of Health (MoH) has advocated leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to support maternal health sector challenges such as limited access to critical health information and accountability (Kuhimbisa et al., 2017; MoICT&NG, 2017). Secondly, the GoU in its Vision 2040 and third National Development Plan (NDP III) aims to improve citizen welfare and better quality of life through the development of well-coordinated science, technology and innovation (STI) ecosystems and the adoption of innovative ICT (National Planning Authority, 2020).
5. Research Objective
This research follows global and national studies that assert that ICTs and Telemedicine are providing improved maternal healthcare service delivery.
Therefore, the main objective of this research is:
• Develop an AI system to improve access and dissemination of information in maternal health care service delivery.
Specific Objectives of the Study
- Study the existing ICT used for maternal healthcare in Uganda.
- Examine the impact of ICTs towards maternal healthcare in Uganda. The impact includes improvements in data management, practices and existing ICT health management strategies.
- Engage with health sector stakeholders to develop an AI system to improve access and dissemination of information in maternal health care service delivery.
- Implement and evaluate the AI system in collaboration with stakeholders and study participants
- Enhance the AI system to support the prediction of maternal-related health issues such as early labour, pregnancy signs or symptoms and reminders for antenatal attendance and medication.
- Train participants and stakeholders on how to use the AI system; and analyze their perceptions.
- Integrate the AI system with information systems used by the Ministry of Health and hospitals
6. Deliverable Outputs and Outcomes
The research deliverables expected include:
|
No |
Title |
Description |
Target Year |
|
1 |
Literature review |
Literature review report on ICTs in Uganda’s health sector |
2023/ 2024 |
|
2 |
Detailed Research Methodology report |
Report on methodological approaches taken to collect data and design the AI system |
2023/ 2024 |
|
3 |
Meetings / workshops / Public forums report |
Several Meetings/ workshops/ Public forums organised with Health sector stakeholders identified to support the project. |
2024/ 2025 |
|
4 |
Field report on data collected from Qualitative or Quantitative methods |
Overview and analysis of field study work and drafting field report that comprises data collected from qualitative or quantitative methods |
2024/ 2025 |
|
6 |
App and Website development and usage |
Designing and deployment of the Website and App. This will be coupled with Alpha and Beta testing before full deployment |
2024/ 2026 |
|
5 |
AI System Development |
Developing components of the AI system, GIS, 5G, IoMT and Web based platforms |
2024/ 2026 |
|
7 |
AI System Deployment |
Deployment of the AI system developed at regional hospitals and health centers |
2025/ 2026 |
|
8 |
Reports and research publications |
Initial reports and publications of research findings obtained |
2024/ 2027 |
|
10 |
Second Report |
Final report describing the entire project with AI System and Robotics system |
2027 |
Table 3: Deliverables expected from the research.
7. Methodological Approaches
Methodological approaches for the research include:
|
No |
Methodology |
Description |
|
1 |
Participatory Action Research (PAR) |
Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a methodology that considers communities under research as part of originators of knowledge. PAR involves stakeholders collaborating to guide knowledge creation and interpretation. PAR encompasses constructs for achieving positive social change e.g. participation and cocreation of knowledge (Loewenson et al, 2014; Nyman et al, 2022; Tetui et al, 2017). In Uganda, Tetui et al. (2017) explored stakeholder experiences of using PAR to implement an intervention meant to strengthen local district capacity. |
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PAR as guided by Nyman et al. (2022) involves six steps: (1) delineating the problem; (2) choosing action; (3) design and assessment; (4) engagement in action; (5) data collection; and (6) reflective knowledge. Knowledge obtained through PAR will be used to propose and develop the AI system that will positively influence maternal health service delivery improvement in the health sector of selected case study areas in Eastern Uganda. |
|
2 |
Mixed Method (MM) Approach for Data Collection and analysis (Qualitative and Quantitative) |
A mixed methods approach will be adopted. A mixed methods approach combines qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Analysis of data analysis will be performed using NVivo 12 software. |
|
3 |
Co-design/ Participatory design method |
This research is expected to develop the AI system using a co-design or participatory design process of engagement. Co-design is defined as a cooperative creativity process were diverse experts such as researchers, designers and participants collaborate creatively (Jacobs at al, 2018; Ssozi-Mugarura et al., 2017). Jacobs et al. (2018) explains significance of adopting co-design by stating that co-designers have an equal voice in any design, and stakeholders perceive ownership of any design project because their needs are considered. |
|
4 |
Agile Method for Designing AI system |
Agile software development method refers to an iterative software development process where requirements and solutions evolve through a collaboration between cross functional teams. Agile methodology uses collaboration, constant focus on project value, and appropriate level of quality. In this research, we will adopt an Agile software development approach to design the AI system. |
|
5 |
Activity Theory (AT) |
Activity Theory (AT) emerged as a psychological theory of human consciousness, thinking and learning; and is mostly been adopted in the fields of technology, psychology, education, ICT etc. AT is now applied in several studies to analyze, explain and understand human activity and the use of technology. AT transfers the unit of analysis to activities focused around the user, the environment and technology artefact (Kaptelinin, 2014; Ssozi-mugarura et al., 2016). In Uganda, Ssozi-mugarura et al. (2016) used AT to analyze people's activities in relation to the use and uptake of the community-based ICT tool. In this research, we will adopt AT to examine usage, adoption, ease of use and perceived usefulness of the AI system. |
Table 4: Showing proposed methodologies for the research.
8. Research Phases (Data Collection & Analysis)
By adopting the Methodologies stated, the research team undertook multiple data collection and analysis phases before developing the system.
9. Research Team and Area of Expertise
The research includes the following members:
|
No |
Person |
Affiliation/ Address |
Bio |
Role/ Profession |
|
1 |
Dr. Chemisto Musa |
Lecturer, Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology Soroti University, Email: mchemisto@sun.ac.ug |
Dr. Chemisto Musa is a lecturer in the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering. Dr. Chemisto heads the Human-Computer Interactions (HCI) Research Lab which focuses on the design, adoption and understanding of the service delivery influence ICTs in addressing community developmental issues in Sub- Saharan Africa. Dr. Chemisto Musa completed his PhD from the University of Cape Town, and his research interests and publications have been in the field of Information Systems (IS), ICT for Development (ICT4D) and Machine Learning Algorithms. He is a co-founder of Give Love Foundation which is a Charity organization for people with special needs, disabilities and street children.
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Principle Investigator
Computer Scientist & Data Analyst
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|
2 |
Ms. Tar Lynn Gutu |
Head of Department, & Lecture Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Email: tar@sun.ac.ug
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Ms. Lynn Tar Janet Gutu is a PhD Candidate in Computer Science at University of MysoreManasagangothri in India. She is an Expert in Computing with over 10 years’ experience. holds a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science with distinctions from University of MysoreManasagangothri in India and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Makerere University. Currently working as an Assistant Lecturer and Head of Department, Electronics and Computer Engineering at the School of Engineering and Technology-Soroti |
Co-Principle Investigator
Computer Scientist and Data Analyst |
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University. As Head of Department, Lynn has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in financial management. My research interests are in areas of Artificial Intelligence, Image processing, Pattern Recognition, Internet of things (IOT), Cyber Security and Big data amongst others. While at Soroti, Lynn has participated in writing a number of research proposals including the “Soroti University ICT and Innovation Hub”
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3 |
Prof. Percival Egau |
Dean, School of Engineering and Technology Soroti University, Email: egaupc@sun.ac.ug |
Prof. Percival Christopher Egau is the founding Dean, School of Engineering and Technology at Soroti University. He obtained his BScEng and MScEng from University of Nairobi (1973) and PhD from the University of Sydney, Australia (1986). He has taught in engineering departments at Makerere University and University of Nairobi. Prof. Egau founded electrical and electronic engineering departments at Moi University, Kenya and University of Eswatini, Swaziland. Since 2018 Prof. Egau has been Professor of Electronic Engineering at Soroti University. He has 34 publications and has professional interests in Electronic Instrumentation, Signal Processing and Engineering Education.
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Member Electronics Engineer and Senior Data Analyst
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4 |
Prof. Kirya Fred |
Dean, School of Health Science, Soroti University, Email: fkirya@sun.ac.ug |
Dr. Kirya Fred is an Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Soroti University, and teaches Anatomy. He is a graduate of Makerere University and holds MBChB and Master of Medicine in Surgery. He is an accomplished Surgeon and academic. His main interests are in Urology and the obstetric fistula. For over 20 years he has worked in |
Member Medical Surgeon/ Health Sector Specialist
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Uganda and abroad treating women with the Obstetric fistula. He has a wealth of experience in Urology and General Surgery. He has published several articles in scientific Journals and contributed to the surgical fraternity. His research interests are in Urology and the obstetric fistula.
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5 |
Mr. Kalinaki Kassim |
Lecturer, Department of Computer science Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Email: kkalinaki@gmail.com | kalinaki@iuiu.ac.ug |
Mr. Kalinaki Kassim is a PhD Candidate in Computer Engineering at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) in Brunei. He is also a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Islamic university in Uganda (IUIU) and a. He has over 10 years’ experience in the IT industry and academia. For five years between January 2017 and December 2021, he worked as a lecturer and HOD computer science at IUIU. His research areas include Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Remote sensing, digital image processing, ICT4D as well as Educational Technologies. |
Member Computer Scientist & Artificial Intelligence Specialist
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6 |
Mr. Mwebesa Darlius |
Senior Lecturer Department of FICT ISBAT University Plot 11A, Lugogo Kampala Uganda |
Mr. Mwebesa Darlius Bosco, a Technology Expert with over 15years experience (Airtel Uganda, Huawei Technologists Corporation), in the Telecommunications sector, with a master’s degree in data communication and software engineering-MUK, currently as a Senior lecturer in the department of Information and Communications Department at ISBAT University. My major areas of research include, wireless communication engineering, satellite communication, latest technologies(4G/5G), spectrum management, cyber security, software |
Member Computer Scientist and Data Telecommunication Specialist
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engineering (APIs design and developments, Security), IoTs (Health and Tourism). Am currently a serving member of East African communications organization (EACO-WRC-23), African Telecom Union (Study group-5), International Telecom Union-R (FG-VM/Focus Group Vehicular Motion), the Project Management Professional (PMP) Uganda Chapter (VP Marketing). ITU-D (World Telecommunication Development Conf). Am a co-founder of Link Engineering Consults Ltd.
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7 |
Mr. Kisitu Rashid
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Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology Soroti University, Email: kisiturashid01@gmail.com |
Mr. Kisitu Rashid is a 4th year BSc Electronics and Computer Engineering student in the School of Engineering and Technology at Soroti University. He is particularly interested in Computer science and electronics research technologies that has a great impact on Community Development and citizens Welfare. Mr. Kisitu is also interested in pursuing a career a research and academics in order for him to realize the goals of developing ICT4D related pojects |
Member Computer Engineering, Electronics and Solar energy
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8 |
Dr. Hellen Aluku |
Lecturer, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology Soroti University, Email: haluku@sun.ac.ug |
Dr. Hellen Aluku holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium. Her research involves Management of evapotranspiration for sustainable agriculture in semi-arid cultivated African catchments. This encompasses interdisciplinary research including socio aspects, science-policy interface, and economics of agricultural practices.
She has research interests in water resources engineering/management, agricultural systems, |
Member Civil Engineer |
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agricultural water management and food security. Hellen is primarily interested in evaluation of opportunities that exist in the framework of science-policy interface and how these can be exploited to enhance adoption of new innovative agricultural practices by smallholder famers.
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9 |
Mr. Sekalema Hamza
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Lecturer, Department of Computer science Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Email: sekalema@iuiu.ac.ug |
Mr. Sekalema is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Islamic university in Uganda (IUIU) and a. He has over 20 years’ experience in the IT industry and academia.
Mr. Sekalema is a software engineer/ developer and heads the Software Development Unit in the ICT Department at the Islamic University in Uganda. He is the lead developer for the Academica Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System and Mobile apps which have digitalized education and work operations at the Islamic University In Uganda.
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Member Software Engineer |
10. Research Contribution, Innovation and Knowledge Dissemination
The primary goal of this research project is to develop an AI system (artefact), and the main strategies of knowledge dissemination from this research will be through the technical research reports and journal publications which will contain findings emanating from the research. Below are the major research contributions:
10.1 Innovation
- The primary goal of this research is to develop an AI system for the maternal health sector
- Use AI system to understand enablers and barriers that influence ICT adoption in service delivery improvement.
- Use the AI System to analyze how ICTs can transform Uganda’s maternal health sector.
- Make AI system freely available but under the Intellectual Property of Soroti University & School of Engineering and Technology.
- Develop a new Conceptual Theory/ Framework on the design, adoption and usage of ICT systems in Uganda’s Maternal Health service delivery.
- Use AI system to empower stakeholders with applicable knowledge that will assist in development of sustainable ICT solutions and strategies.
- The AI system is expected to empower health sector stakeholders with applicable knowledge which will assist in the establishment of sustainable ICT solutions and policy strategies for the maternal health sector.
- Use the AI system and research outcomes to inform future policy and decision-making processes on ICTs in maternal health service delivery.
10.2 Publications and Knowledge Dissemination
- Improve information access and dissemination in the case study areas
- Publish reports analyzing ICT and AI influence on improvement in maternal health
- Publish research findings in journals or conferences.
- Disseminate reports & findings to MoH, local governments, Hospitals, case study areas etc.
Note: Besides making the AI system available publicly, the research project will be published to the Government of Uganda and project funders. Ideally, any recommendations emanating from the study will be disseminated to the Case study areas, the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Health, local government structures, Regional Hospitals, Health Centers and the public sector.