How MomConnect Empowers Women and Healthcare Workers through Accessible Health Information
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, MomConnect stands as a flagship programme by the South African National Department of Health. Since its launch in 2014, it has supported nearly 5 million women, offering them critical health information and support during pregnancy and early motherhood. Designed to provide accessible health information, MomConnect has made a lasting impact on maternal and child health in South Africa, contributing significantly to Sustainable Development Goals by improving antenatal care, vaccination rates, breastfeeding, and family planning.
10 Years of Impact: The Power of Accessible Health Information
For many women, pregnancy brings both excitement and anxiety, especially in areas where healthcare services are limited. MomConnect was created to address these challenges, using mobile technology to bridge information gaps and empower women to make informed decisions about their health and their children’s well-being. Through SMS and WhatsApp, MomConnect reaches women even in the most remote areas, providing them with crucial health information from pregnancy until their child’s second birthday.
Real-Life Stories: Transforming Lives Through Knowledge
The impact of MomConnect is most powerfully conveyed through the stories of women whose lives have been transformed by the programme:
Nelsiwe’s journey: Confidence and care for a mother
At 34, Nelsiwe faced health complications during her second pregnancy and needed access to reliable healthcare. Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, she discovered MomConnect, a programme designed to support mothers with accurate and timely health information.
Through MomConnect, Nelsiwe began receiving weekly messages tailored to her stage of pregnancy. These messages not only guided her through the physical and emotional changes but also empowered her with vital knowledge about her health. She learned about the importance of early antenatal visits, identifying signs of complications, and how breastfeeding — even in challenging circumstances — can protect her child.
A Lifeline for Healthcare Workers
MomConnect’s impact goes beyond empowering mothers — it’s a vital resource for healthcare workers. The platform provides nurses and other healthcare professionals with access to current maternal health guidelines, enabling them to deliver accurate, up-to-date advice. Through its text-based helpdesk and support tools, MomConnect assists healthcare workers in answering patients’ questions, ensuring consistent, high-quality care across the country.
Sister Jane, Deputy Director of MomConnect, shares that MomConnect has been invaluable for supporting her interactions with patients. “MomConnect empowers moms with access to educational content. They have the information in the palms of their hand, while they are at home, or at work, or anywhere.”
Key Milestones and Impact
After a decade, the numbers reflect the programme’s success:
- High antenatal care attendance: 96% of mothers using MomConnect who were surveyed attend at least four antenatal visits, surpassing the 2016 national average of 76% (District Health System (DHS)).
- Improved vaccination rates: 89% of moms surveyed reported that their baby received all six of the recommended vaccinations at 6 weeks old.
- Increased breastfeeding rates: MomConnect increases breastfeeding by 17% amongst first-time moms and by 10% amongst young moms.
- Enhanced family planning use: MomConnect increases family planning use by 6% (p=0.06) amongst moms with previous pregnancies.
Building Healthier Communities, One Woman at a Time
MomConnect’s milestone of reaching nearly 5 million women represents a collective journey towards healthier families and communities. Each message, each reminder, and each response has contributed to a positive change in maternal health outcomes across South Africa.
Looking to the future
As MomConnect enters its next decade, the mission remains strong: to expand its reach, refine its offerings, and ensure that every mother has the knowledge and support to thrive. With plans to engage the next 5 million mothers, the National Department of Health and Reach are committed to improving health access and outcomes for future generations.
Join us in our mission
MomConnect has proven that information and accessibility can change lives. We invite everyone — partners, supporters, and the community — to join us as we continue this journey. Together, we can empower women, uplift communities, and build a healthier, more informed future.
