Nigerian health technology company Helium Health has secured a $2.5 million grant from Google.org to expand its AI-powered maternal healthcare initiative, HeliumMum, strengthening efforts to improve access to pregnancy-related care and reduce preventable maternal deaths.
The funding will support the expansion of HeliumMum across Lagos, Delta, Kano and Oyo states over the next three years. The programme aims to reach an additional 1.9 million women through technology-enabled maternal health services.
HeliumMum uses artificial intelligence to support the identification of potential pregnancy complications and help connect women with appropriate healthcare services. The initiative is designed to strengthen early risk detection and improve access to timely medical attention, particularly in communities where healthcare resources and specialist services may be limited.
The programme aims to contribute to a 30 per cent reduction in maternal mortality through improved identification of high-risk pregnancies and stronger connections between patients and healthcare providers.
The grant forms part of Google.org’s $30 million AI for Government Innovation Impact Challenge, which selected 15 organisations globally to develop and expand technology-driven solutions addressing public challenges. Helium Health was the only Nigerian organisation selected among the recipients.
In addition to financial support, the company will receive technical assistance through Google’s accelerator programme, helping strengthen the development and implementation of its AI-based healthcare solutions.
Founded in Nigeria, Helium Health develops technology to improve healthcare delivery across Africa. Its products include electronic medical records, hospital management systems, billing solutions and digital tools designed to support healthcare providers and patients.
The expansion of HeliumMum builds on the company’s wider focus on using technology to address healthcare delivery challenges across the continent. Maternal healthcare remains a critical priority in Nigeria, where access to timely antenatal care, risk assessment and emergency obstetric services continues to be a challenge for many women.
Through the latest initiative, Helium Health aims to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can support healthcare professionals in identifying risks earlier and improving the delivery of maternal services at scale.
The grant represents a significant step in the company’s efforts to combine digital health infrastructure and AI innovation to address one of the most pressing public health challenges facing women across Africa.
