​By Koketso Maraba
 
High antenatal care (ANC) attendance, high vaccination coverage and Increased breastfeeding outcomes. This is how the MomConnect programme has positively impacted over (5) million pregnant women and new mothers. 
The National Department of Health (NDoH) together with the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), led by MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko this week celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the application for having assisted over 5 million registered users and 288 051 monthly active users. 
MomConnect is a flagship programme of the NDoH which aims to support maternal and child health using mobile technology. Through the programme, pregnant women and new mothers receive free maternal health messaging via SMS or WhatsApp and can access a text-based helpdesk for immediate ratings or queries.
While delivering the keynote address at the 10-year anniversary, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said that MomConnect is a success because of the thousands of healthcare workers throughout the network of clinics across South Africa who consistently care for our Moms, connecting them to this vital digital health service.
"This initiative has not only empowered women but has also made remarkable strides in reducing maternal mortality and promoting healthy practices," said MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The MomConnect programme has supported expectant mothers with common issues such as antenatal care and accessing care in labour, diet and nutrition, non-pregnancy related infections, hypertension, newborn care, breastfeeding and immunisation, and appointment reminders.
Some notable achievements of the programme include a high rate of ANC, with 96% of mothers surveyed as part of a study attending at least four visits. Improved vaccination coverage with 89% of mothers surveyed confirming their babies received all six recommended vaccinations at six weeks old. The program has also increased breastfeeding rates and provided essential family planning guidance, contributing to healthier outcomes for mothers and babies alike. 
Elena Khukhu, one of the MomConnect users said the programme became a great help to her when she was going through her first pregnancy, she wasn't living close to her family and the clinic was not close enough for her to ask immediate questions concerning changes during her pregnancy. So, with MomConnect, she was able to ask professional nurses about anything. "This is my second pregnancy, and this programme is still guiding me, I hope this programme can reach more people," she said.  
Another user, Thandeka Ndlovu said that the MomConnect app has created a platform for her to ask questions related to her pregnancy and to receive the support she needed during her journey. 
"The programme is cost-effective because we are also able to communicate with a professional nurse on WhatsApp and the staff is always available to assist, this makes it easier for me to stay informed," said  Ndlovu.
To join the MomConnect programme, a pregnant woman or mom can register for the programme by sending "join" on WhatsApp to 079 631 2456 or Dial *134*550*2# for free or scan the QR code found at local clinics across the province.