This is the 14th post in a blog series to be published in 2024 by the APET Secretariat on behalf of the AU High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET)

Blog Summary: Augmented Reality (AR) is making waves in healthcare, offering new solutions to age-old challenges. In Africa, where neonatal mortality rates remain alarmingly high, AR presents a groundbreaking opportunity to enhance neonatal care. This blog explores how AR is being leveraged across the continent to save lives, improve medical training, and bridge the gap in healthcare quality. By integrating digital data with the real world, AR is revolutionising neonatal care, ensuring that every newborn has the best possible start in life.

 

Aspiration 1 of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous Africa characterised by inclusive growth and sustainable development. A key component of this vision is ensuring the well-being of African residents, which includes securing the necessary investment to expand access to high-quality healthcare services. [1] Significant progress has been made toward this goal, particularly in enhancing healthcare strategies and improving Africa’s capacity to address health emergencies, infectious diseases, and chronic conditions. These efforts have been supported by improved health facilities and skilled professionals to provide life-saving services.[2]

However, despite these advancements, Africa continues to face critical health challenges, with one of the most pressing being the high neonatal mortality rates. According to a 2020 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, the African Region accounts for one-third of all newborn deaths globally.[3] Nearly half of these fatalities occur within the first 24 hours of life, and over 75% within the first week. The neonatal phase, the first 28 days of life, is particularly perilous for newborns. For every infant who dies, an additional twenty newborns are likely to suffer from disease or disability due to conditions such as infections, birth trauma, neonatal tetanus, congenital defects, breathing difficulties post-birth, and complications arising from pre-term birth.[4]

The Challenge of Neonatal Mortality in Africa

The leading causes of neonatal deaths worldwide include prematurity (28%), sepsis(26%), and birth-related hypoxia or asphyxia (23%).[5] Unfortunately, Africa has some of the highest newborn mortality rates, with 27 fatalities per 1,000 live births.[6] Many African children face multiple survival and development challenges, including inadequate nutrition, limited access to quality healthcare, insufficient immunisation programmes, and a lack of clean water and sanitation. Despite these obstacles, many neonatal deaths could be prevented with better access to health services.

Effective health interventions during delivery and the first week of life could prevent up to two-thirds of neonatal deaths. One crucial practice for improving neonatal survival rates is ensuring that a qualified health professional visits the home immediately after birth. This approach has shown promising results in reducing neonatal mortality and enhancing essential infant care practices, especially in high-mortality settings. Unfortunately, in many low-income AU Member States, only 13% of women receive postnatal healthcare within the first 24 hours after delivery, often due to social, economic, or other barriers that prevent them from returning for postnatal care.[7]

Harnessing Augmented Reality for Neonatal Care

To significantly reduce neonatal mortality across the continent, the African High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) urges AU Member States to adopt augmented reality (AR) as a vital tool for improving neonatal care. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which creates an entirely simulated environment, AR integrates digital data with the user's real-world surroundings in real-time, allowing users to view their environment with superimposed perceptual information. This unique capability has numerous applications, from entertainment to enhancing decision-making processes in critical areas like healthcare.

To significantly reduce neonatal mortality across the continent, the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) urges AU Member States to adopt augmented reality (AR) as a vital tool for improving neonatal care. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which creates an entirely simulated environment, AR integrates digital data with the user's real-world surroundings in real-time, allowing the user to view their environment with superimposed perceptual information.[8] This unique capability has numerous applications, from entertainment to enhancing decision-making processes in critical areas like healthcare.[9]

In neonatal care, AR can modify natural settings or provide additional visual information, enriching healthcare professionals' understanding and interaction with their environment. The primary advantage of AR lies in its ability to merge digital and three-dimensional (3D) elements with a person’s perception of reality. Through devices such as smartphones, glasses, or headsets, AR delivers visual elements, sound, and other sensory data, layering this information to create an immersive experience that enhances the user's perception of the real world.

In neonatal care, AR can modify natural settings or provide additional visual information, enriching healthcare professionals' understanding and interaction with their environment. The primary advantage lies in its ability to merge digital and three-dimensional (3D) elements with a person’s perception of reality. Through devices such as smartphones, glasses, or headsets, AR delivers visual elements, sound, and other sensory data, layering this information to create an immersive experience that enhances the user's perception of the real world.[10]

Case Studies Showing AR in Action Across Africa

Augmented Reality (AR) has begun to demonstrate its potential in improving neonatal care across various regions in Africa, where it is being utilised to enhance medical education, diagnosis, and patient care, particularly in areas with limited access to specialised services. In South Africa, for instance, hospitals have started using AR to facilitate remote consultations with neonatologists from around the world. This innovation allows healthcare professionals in rural areas to receive expert guidance on complex neonatal cases, thereby improving the quality of care available to newborns even in remote settings. Similarly, in Nigeria, AR technology is being employed to train healthcare professionals in neonatal resuscitation techniques. The use of AR-powered devices provides a safe and effective method for acquiring critical skills, enabling trainees to practice life-saving procedures in a controlled environment before applying them in real-world scenarios. This approach not only enhances the skills of medical practitioners but also contributes to the overall improvement of neonatal care in the country.

In Kenya, AR has been integrated into prenatal care, particularly in the visualisation of foetal development during ultrasounds. By employing AR, healthcare providers can detect abnormalities early in the pregnancy, which significantly improves pregnancy outcomes. This technological advancement has made it easier for doctors to monitor foetal health and take necessary interventions on time, thus contributing to the reduction of neonatal mortality. Moreover, Ghana has seen the implementation of AR-enabled incubators in hospitals. These advanced incubators are designed to monitor vital signs and provide real-time alerts when a newborn's condition deviates from normal parameters.[11] The ability to promptly address potential health issues as they arise has been instrumental in ensuring that newborns receive the immediate care they need, which is crucial in reducing mortality rates.[12]

In Ethiopia, AR is being explored as a valuable tool for medical education. Medical students are using AR to practice complex procedures in a simulated environment before performing them on actual patients. This method of training allows students to gain practical experience in a risk-free setting, thus enhancing their preparedness and competence.[13] By integrating AR into the curriculum, Ethiopia is setting a precedent for how emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve healthcare education and, by extension, patient outcomes.

APET’s Recommendations for Integrating Augmented Reality in Neonatal Care

The African High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) has identified several key recommendations to effectively integrate augmented reality (AR) into neonatal care across Africa.

First, APET emphasises the importance of developing and implementing AR-based training programmes for healthcare professionals. By simulating real-world scenarios, these programmes provide immersive and hands-on learning experiences that build confidence and competence among healthcare workers. This is particularly crucial in regions with limited access to specialised training facilities, where such programmes can play a vital role in equipping medical personnel with the necessary skills to handle complex neonatal cases.[14]

Additionally, APET advocates for significant investment in AR-enabled diagnostic tools. These tools, which can overlay digital data onto the physical environment, have the potential to enhance the accuracy and speed of medical decision-making. For instance, AR glasses or headsets could be used to project vital signs, medical history, and other relevant information directly onto a patient’s body, enabling healthcare professionals to make quicker and more informed interventions. This capability is especially critical in neonatal care, where timely and precise actions can significantly improve survival rates.[15]

To address the disparity in access to specialist neonatal care across Africa, APET also recommends exploring and implementing remote consultations using AR technology. By leveraging AR, healthcare providers in rural or underserved areas can receive real-time guidance from neonatologists in more developed regions. This approach not only enhances the quality of care but also helps bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare services, ensuring that even complex cases can be managed effectively.[16]

Furthermore, APET underscores the importance of integrating AR into medical education. By allowing students to practice procedures in a simulated environment, AR provides a safe and effective way to gain practical experience without compromising patient safety. Countries like Ethiopia, where AR is already being explored for medical training, have the potential to lead this initiative, setting a precedent for how emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve healthcare education.[17]

Finally, APET advocates for the widespread adoption of AR-powered devices in healthcare settings. For instance, AR-enabled incubators, which can monitor vital signs in real-time and provide alerts if a newborn’s condition deviates from normal parameters, represent a critical advancement in neonatal care. The adoption of such devices should be encouraged across healthcare facilities in Africa, as they allow for prompt and potentially life-saving interventions.[18]

The Path Forward to a Healthier Future in Neonatal Care

The implementation of augmented reality in neonatal care across Africa holds tremendous potential. AR offers solutions to various challenges in newborn care, such as enhancing training and education, improving diagnostic accuracy, facilitating remote consultations, and supporting mental well-being. As augmented reality technology continues to evolve, African healthcare stakeholders must embrace and invest in these advancements. Doing so will not only improve outcomes in neonatal care but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of future generations.

 

Featured Bloggers – APET-CJED Secretariat

Aggrey Ambali, HDRAS

Justina Dugbazah, The Sahara Institute

Barbara Glover, AUDA-NEPAD

Bhekani Mbuli, University of Johannesburg

Chifundo Kungade, AUDA-NEPAD

Nhlawulo Shikwambane, AUDA-NEPAD

Maria Namyalo, AUDA-NEPAD

 

 

 

[1] https://au.int/en/promoting-health-nutrition

[2] Anaemene B. Health and Diseases in Africa. The Development of Africa. 2017 Oct 27;71:207–26. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-66242-8_12. PMCID: PMC7122698.

[3] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/newborn-mortality.

[4] https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/newborn

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9720785/

[6] https://www.solthis.org/en/priorite-sante/improve-the-health-of-children-in-africa/

[7] Birhanu, Bizuhan Gelaw, Mathibe-Neke, Johanna Mmabojalwa, Interventions to enhance newborn care in north-West Ethiopia: the experiences of health care professionals, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 22 (1), 1471-2393. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-022-04669-0

[8] https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/augmented-reality-AR.

[9] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/augmented-reality.asp.

[10] Mohammed A. M. AlGerafi 1,2, Yueliang Zhou, Mohamed Oubibi, Tommy Tanu Wijaya, Unlocking the Potential: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Education, Electronics 2023, 12(18), 3953; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12183953.

[11] Leke, A.Z., Malherbe, H., Kalk, E., Mehta, U., Kisa, P., Botto, L.D., Ayede, I., Fairlie, L., Maboh, N.M., Orioli, I., Zash, R., Kusolo, R., Mumpe-Mwanja, D., Serujogi, R., Bongomin, B., Osoro, C., Dah, C., Sentumbwe–Mugisha, O., Shabani, H.K., Musoke, P., Dolk, H. & Barlow-Mosha, L., 2023. The burden, prevention and care of infants and children with congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. PLOS Global Public Health, 3(6), p.e0001850. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0001850 [Accessed 28 June 2023]. PMCID: PMC10306220, PMID: 37379291.

[12] Wee Sim Khor, Benjamin Baker, Kavit Amin, Adrian Chan, Ketan Patel, Jason Wong, Ann Transl Med. 2016 Dec; 4(23): 454. doi: 10.21037/atm.2016.12.23.

[13] Leke, A.Z., Malherbe, H., Kalk, E., Mehta, U., Kisa, P., Botto, L.D., Ayede, I., Fairlie, L., Maboh, N.M., Orioli, I., Zash, R., Kusolo, R., Mumpe-Mwanja, D., Serujogi, R., Bongomin, B., Osoro, C., Dah, C., Sentumbwe–Mugisha, O., Shabani, H.K., Musoke, P., Dolk, H. & Barlow-Mosha, L., 2023. The burden, prevention and care of infants and children with congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. PLOS Global Public Health, 3(6), p.e0001850. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0001850 [Accessed 28 June 2023]. PMCID: PMC10306220, PMID: 37379291.

[14] Belay, D.M., Erku, D., Bayih, W.A., Kassie, Y.T., Birhane, B.M., & Assefa, Y., 2024. Improving the quality of neonatal health care in Ethiopia: a systematic review. Frontiers in Medicine (Lausanne), 11, p.1293473. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1293473 [Accessed 22 May 2024]. PMCID: PMC11150606, PMID: 38841585.

[15] Taghian A, Abo-Zahhad M, Sayed MS, Abd El-Malek AH. Virtual and augmented reality in biomedical engineering. Biomed Eng Online. 2023 Jul 31;22(1):76. doi: 10.1186/s12938-023-01138-3. PMID: 37525193; PMCID: PMC10391968.

[16] Dinh, A., Yin, A.L., Estrin, D., Greenwald, P., & Fortenko, A., 2023. Augmented Reality in Real-time Telemedicine and Telementoring: Scoping Review. JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth, 11, p.e45464. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2196/45464 [Accessed 18 April 2023]. PMCID: PMC10155085, PMID: 37071458.

[17] Tene, T., Vique López, D.F., Valverde Aguirre, P.E., Orna Puente, L.M., & Vacacela Gomez, C., 2024. Virtual reality and augmented reality in medical education: an umbrella review. Frontiers in Digital Health, 6, p.1365345. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2024.1365345 [Accessed 14 March 2024]. PMCID: PMC10973128, PMID: 38550715.

[18] Effah Kaufmann E, Tackie R, Pitt JB, Mba S, Akwetey B, Quaye D, Mills G, Nyame C, Bulley H, Glucksberg M, Ghomrawi H, Appeadu-Mensah W, Abdullah F. Feasibility of Leveraging Consumer Wearable Devices with Data Platform Integration for Patient Vital Monitoring in Low-Resource Settings. Int J Telemed Appl. 2024 Feb 8;2024:8906413. doi: 10.1155/2024/8906413. PMID: 38362543; PMCID: PMC10869189.