Mary Consolata Ishepe Nandili is a registered nurse and midwife and a health leader in Kenya. She currently serves as director of nursing and midwifery services at Kenya’s Ministry of Health, where she has worked for more than 30 years. Working with the United Nations, the World Bank, and other donor partners, Mary coordinated the Health Sector Support Project. She provides consultancy services on health-related projects internationally, including work in Asia and Africa. As a volunteer, she shares expertise on immunization, vulnerable communities, and relief programs. She has published a book on the effects of civil society organizations on health, nutrition, and economic status of people living with HIV/AIDS. Mary earned both a PhD in Public Health and Master of Public Health from Kenyatta University and a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in research and health from Nairobi University.
Applied Project Title: Use of Mobile Phones to Enhance the Uptake of Skilled Birth Attendance in Reducing Maternal and Infant Deaths
Maternal mortality is one of the biggest public health concerns in low- and middle-income counties in Kenya. This project focused on using mobile phones to enhance the uptake of skilled birth attendance in reducing the rate of maternal and infant deaths. The technology would be used to track, supervise and monitor pregnant women, sending them reminder messages about pre-natal care and other health-related information. While the ultimate goal is to save lives through more effective maternal health care delivery, benefits could extend to all segments of society who could use the technology to prevent disease and improve health.