Felicien Kabongo

Pioneered mobile health innovations in sub-Saharan Africa to combat maternal mortality

Felicien Kabongo is a Congolese innovator whose work in mobile health (mHealth) has transformed maternal healthcare across sub-Saharan Africa. Born in Kinshasa in 1987, he developed Mama-O-Tech in 2021, a SMS-based platform connecting expectant mothers with healthcare providers. This system uses AI to monitor pregnancy risks and provides real-time alerts for complications, reducing maternal mortality rates by 40% in pilot regions according to WHO reports. Kabongo's approach leverages low-cost mobile technology accessible even in remote areas, addressing the region's critical shortage of medical personnel. His work was featured in Nature Medicine and inspired similar programs in Uganda and Tanzania. In 2023, he launched the first blockchain-based vaccine tracking system for newborns, ensuring immunization records remain accessible despite frequent power outages. Kabongo's TED Talk "How SMS messages are saving mothers' lives in Congo" has over 2 million views. His organization now partners with UNICEF to expand services to 15 African countries, exemplifying how tech innovation can bridge systemic gaps in healthcare delivery.