In the remote communities of northern and eastern Zambia, many women and caregivers struggle to access essential health care for themselves and their children. Deep-rooted cultural beliefs, a tradition of home births and anxiety about stigmatizing diagnoses have prevented many families from utilizing critical health services. Traditional healing methods also discourage formal health care altogether. All of this has had serious consequences for neonatal and maternal health, with many women not seeking the care they need for safe pregnancies and deliveries. Addressing these challenges often requires a collaborative approach -- one that listens to community needs and then implements initiatives to improve outcomes.

With generous support from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Medicines for Humanity (MFH) researched and assessed the needs, barriers, and challenges in Zambian communities with high levels of neonatal mortality after meeting with local leaders and listening to community members and local healthcare professionals. This collaborative approach led to introducing effective interventions that make a tangible impact and save lives.

MFH’s vision for improving maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes in rural areas of Zambia led to a partnership with Amplio and their Talking Books. These are rugged, battery-powered audio devices that deliver health information through customized audio messaging and use simple symbols for operation. The Talking Book doesn’t require a high level of literacy, making it perfect for developing communities around the globe. Users can play messages on demand and record their feedback. A built-in speaker allows families and groups to listen and learn together. MFH Program Director, Kenneth Muko, recognized how this innovative technology could support MFH’s neonatal and maternal health initiative in Zambia - -a region where Talking Books had yet to reach.

In just a few months since MFH introduced Talking Books in Nsumbu, Chilubi District, near Samfy in Zambia’s Northern Province, there has been a 40% increase in antenatal care visits. MFH Community Health Workers (CHWs) take these devices on their community visits, allowing people to listen to vital information at their convenience, even while doing communal, daily tasks. The early results are already impressive. More women are coming forward for care and feel more confident and informed about their health options. They understand the importance of prenatal check-ups, safe childbirth care, and postpartum health.

The Talking Books are also increasing CHW knowledge and their level of efficiency. By using them to “automate” basic health education, CHWs can spend more time addressing specific situations and individual concerns. This helps them reach more people. Feedback from CHWs about the Talking Books has been extremely positive, with many saying they were able to understand and learn to use the device in just two days. CHW feedback has also been vital for this project’s success. Because of their feedback, the Talking Book power source was changed from disposable batteries to solar-powered. This change not only makes the project more sustainable but also reduces long-term costs.

We are confident that this partnership with Amplio will continue to increase positive outcomes in these communities in Zambia. Over the next 11 months, MFH will study the factors that influence demand for maternal and child health services and see how well digital tools, like the Talking Books, can change behavior and encourage more people to seek professional care in this region. This study will provide valuable insights into the project’s success and could help shape similar efforts in other vulnerable communities.

By introducing and utilizing technology, we are helping women make informed choices, strengthening community health systems, and promoting sustainable solutions. Through these kinds of initiatives, we have the potential to create lasting change -- not only in Zambia, but in other regions where maternal and child health care improvement is urgently needed.