Google.org Awards $2.5m for Clinical AI Deployment in Nigeria

Nigerian health technology firm Helium Health has secured a $2.5 million grant from Google.org to introduce clinical AI solutions for primary maternal healthcare in Nigeria. Helium Health was one of 15 organizations globally chosen for the Google.org Impact Challenge: AI for Government Innovation, which aims to support organizations working with governments to enhance public services.

Along with the funding, the selected organizations will participate in a Google.org Accelerator program to receive guidance from Google engineers and AI product experts.

CEO of Helium Health, Dimeji Sofowora, highlighted that the grant will enable the company to leverage its existing technology and partnerships to improve healthcare delivery across Africa. The company has already reached over 3.5 million women through its maternal health initiatives. Dr. Shona Oluwatola, Head of Public Health at Helium Health, pointed out that Nigeria accounts for nearly one-third of global maternal deaths.

The company aims to reach an additional 1.9 million women over the next three years and contribute to a 30% reduction in maternal mortality. Oluwatola emphasized that their ultimate goal is to ensure that no woman loses her life due to lack of awareness or access to necessary care.

Maggie Johnson, Global Head of Google.org, emphasized that AI has the potential to revolutionize public services, but there is often a gap between promise and practice. By providing funding and pro bono support from Google's AI experts to the 15 selected organizations, Google.org is empowering those closest to the problem to demonstrate the true potential of AI. Johnson stated that together, they can ensure AI makes a significant positive impact on the everyday lives of communities worldwide.