Moses M Thiga (Egerton University) – Challenges and Prospects for the Early Detection and Management of Pre-Eclampsia in Sub-Saharan Africa

Pre-eclampsia remains a significant public health issue globally, with a disproportionately high burden in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy account for 22.1% of maternal deaths in the region, and the incidence of pre-eclampsia is higher than the global average. A key challenge is the lack of effective early detection and monitoring, particularly in low-resource settings. While technological solutions, such as smartwatches, show promise, their implementation faces significant hurdles, including device malfunctions, poor patient adherence, and incompatibility with existing infrastructure. This highlights the need to address critical research gaps in the region, spanning epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Solutions must be tailored to local contexts, taking into account unique risk factors and systemic challenges. The integration of robust, proven devices with community-based support systems is crucial. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) hold great potential. AI models, for instance, could enable early risk prediction, while federated learning and explainable AI (XAI) can help overcome privacy concerns and foster trust among clinicians. The future of maternal healthcare in SSA depends on a combination of context-sensitive, evidence-based interventions and the strategic adoption of innovative, sustainable technologies.