Digital innovation in maternal and child health in Nigeria: Impacts, challenges and opportunities – a perspective

Abstract

Nigeria faces critical Maternal and Child Health (MCH) challenges, worsened by inadequate infrastructure and limited access to quality care. Digital health innovations like mHealth, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and gamification can improve access, decision-making, and patient engagement. This paper examines their impact on MCH services, including immunization, prenatal care, and maternal education. However, poor infrastructure, high costs, and low digital literacy hinder adoption. Expanding digital healthcare requires investments, policy reforms, partnerships, and community initiatives. Scalable, affordable solutions can enhance MCH outcomes, supporting universal health coverage and sustainable development goals in Nigeria.

Keywords: Maternal health, Child health, Mobile application, Artificial intelligence, Gamification, Blockchain, Immunization, Health policy