Despite improvements, maternal mortality remains alarmingly high in Zambia and across sub-Saharan Africa. In 2020, Zambia reported over 250 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, with even higher rates among young women, those living in slums, and those affected by HIV and malaria. Poor antenatal care, transport delays, and shortages of skilled providers compound the risks. Without innovation, achieving the SDG target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 by 2030 is out of reach.

Power of Love’s Maternal and Newborn Health Program harnesses digital tools to detect risks early and guide care. At the heart is the WONDER Mom application, a mobile platform for pregnant women to self-monitor vitals and report symptoms. An integrated Early Warning System (EWS), based on the MEOWS scoring system, analyzes data to identify emerging crises and sends alerts to healthcare providers, including community health workers and midwives. Providers receive algorithm-driven decision support, enabling timely, appropriate interventions even in resource-poor settings.

The program is fully integrated into the Circle of Care model: expectant mothers receive digital monitoring alongside HIV care, nutrition, safe water, and economic empowerment. In Matero, Lusaka, women are supported by community workers trained to use the app and health facilities linked for urgent referrals.

WONDER Mom and EWS platform has demonstrated strong results globally:

• In India, a cohort of 15,100 women at Erode General Hospital saw an 81% decline in in-hospital eclampsia and a 50% decline in maternal mortality within two years.
• Currently, 100,000 women are enrolled in a test group in Bihar, India.
• In Matero, Zambia, early adoption shows strong demand, with over 100 women already using the system.
• POL aims to achieve a 15% reduction in maternal mortality within the first year of implementation.

The program extends beyond pregnancy and delivery. Women are supported up to one year postpartum, receiving guidance on newborn care, breastfeeding, and family planning. By addressing transport delays, linking digital alerts to community providers, and reducing stigma, the program strengthens overall household health and resilience.

Looking ahead, we plan to:

• Expand to 2,000+ annual births in Matero, with scaling across Lusaka.
• Integrate machine learning for earlier and more accurate risk prediction.
• Translate the WONDER Mom app into Nyanja and other African languages for regional use.
• Establish a ‘community of learning’ among providers and families for continuous improvement.
• Host a regional conference with Zambia’s Ministry of Health to share outcomes and scale into neighboring countries.

This program works because it combines:

• Digital tools for real-time monitoring and decision support.
• Trusted community health workers who bridge families and clinics.
• Integration into existing Circle of Care services.
• Proven outcomes from large-scale pilots in India.

Together, these elements make life-saving care accessible, timely, and sustainable.

Every safe birth is a victory. With WONDER Mom, we move closer to a future where no woman dies giving life and every child begins life with a healthy mother.

Testimonials from POL Microloan recepients