Sindh Takes Historic Step to Use AI for Maternal and Child Healthcare

Karachi, September 25, 2026: The Sindh Health Department, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and Aga Khan University (AKU) have signed a three-year Letter of Cooperation to integrate the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Maternal and Child Health into the province’s public healthcare system.

Supported financially and technically by the Gates Foundation, the initiative aims to introduce artificial intelligence-based technologies at primary healthcare facilities to improve health outcomes for vulnerable women, newborns and children across Sindh.

The agreement was signed at the office of Sindh Health and Population Welfare Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho. Health Department Secretary Tahir Hussain, LUMS Associate Professor and Centre Director Dr Maryam Mustafa, and AKU Medical College Dean Dr Karim Damji signed the agreement.

Gates Foundation President for Gender Equality Dr Anita Zaidi attended the ceremony, along with AKU Associate Professor Dr Zahra Huda Bhai, who is working on AI models for emergency ultrasound under the initiative.

AI-Based Medical Support and Voice Technology

Under the agreement, the three institutions will jointly introduce clinical decision-support systems, risk stratification models and voice-enabled technologies to assist healthcare workers.

One of the key components is the Awaz-e-Sehat platform developed by Dr Maryam Mustafa. The technology is designed to recognise local languages, enabling primary healthcare workers with limited literacy to enter health data in their own languages.

The initiative will also use data generated through years of clinical trials and epidemiological research led by Dr Faiza Jahan, Chair of the Department of Paediatrics at AKU, to adapt AI models to the needs of underserved and resource-constrained communities.

Officials Highlight Importance of Initiative

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said the government’s focus remained on strengthening primary healthcare centres and improving maternal and child health outcomes.

She expressed hope that the initiative would help identify birth-related complications at an early stage, reduce premature births and improve the quality of paramedical services.

Dr Maryam Mustafa, Director of the AI Centre and LUMS professor, said Pakistan faced challenges in adopting AI technologies, particularly because of gaps in data infrastructure. She said developing technology was relatively easier than integrating it into government systems and ensuring its availability in remote areas.

AKU Medical College Dean Dr Karim Damji said modern technology needed to be adopted in a way that made healthcare more affordable and effective for the general public. He described the partnership as an important effort to promote safer childbirth and better care for children.

Responsibilities Divided Among Partners

Under the roadmap, the Sindh Health Department will oversee the strategy, implementation at government health facilities and alignment with national health policies.

LUMS, as the technical partner, will lead the development of algorithms, validation of AI models and voice-based technologies.

Aga Khan University, as the clinical and research partner, will oversee clinical trials, technology safety and its practical application at primary healthcare facilities.

According to the administration, the project will comply with national regulatory standards and data privacy principles. The AI tools will serve as decision-support systems for healthcare professionals and will not replace doctors or other medical staff.