Dr. Maryam Mustafa, Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science, Co-founder Awaaz-e-Sehat and Director of the Saida Waheed Gender Initiative at LUMS, has been featured by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for her work in digital health, particularly her efforts to support maternal care through contextually relevant technology.

The feature highlights Awaaz-e-Sehat, an AI-powered, voice-enabled record management and diagnostic support system developed to assist frontline health workers in Pakistan. The system is designed to make digital tools more accessible in settings with limited literacy and infrastructure, allowing community health providers to record and retrieve patient data using voice input in local languages. The system also supports health care workers by providing diagnostic support so patients receive timely interventions and care.

Dr. Maryam and her team have worked closely with public health experts and community partners to co-design the platform, ensuring that the technology aligns with on-the-ground realities. The project focuses on improving continuity of care, supporting health workers in following up with patients, and contributing to more organized and reliable maternal health records.

Earlier, Dr. Maryam received the Grand Challenges: Catalyzing Equitable Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use award from the Gates Foundation in support of this initiative. More recently, she was awarded the Google Award for Academic Research 2024, and The Patrick J. McGovern award which recognizes her contributions to inclusive and equitable AI development in healthcare settings.

The full article by the Gates Foundation can be accessed here.