Philips: Pioneering a Maternal Health Revolution Through Strategic Partnerships and Data-Driven Innovation

The global maternal healthcare crisis is stark: over 290,000 women die annually from pregnancy-related complications, with 94% of these deaths occurring in low-resource settings. Amid this urgency, Philips has emerged as a transformative force, leveraging strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology to redefine maternal health outcomes. For investors, this is not just a moral imperative—it's a high-growth opportunity in a sector primed for disruption.

Africa: A Blueprint for Scaling Access

Philips' initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa exemplify how technology and local collaboration can turn the tide. In Kenya and Uganda, partnerships with organizations like the Aga Khan University and Imaging the World Africa have trained over 250 healthcare professionals in obstetric ultrasound techniques, enabling early detection of high-risk pregnancies. This has directly contributed to reducing maternal mortality by improving antenatal care.

[text2img]A Philips portable ultrasound device being used in a rural Kenyan clinic, flanked by midwives in green scrubs, with a tablet displaying real-time imaging data.[/text2img]

Beyond training, Philips introduced a digital tool in collaboration with UNICEF and Kenya's Ministry of Health to track medical equipment in over 100 facilities. This innovation has boosted service readiness, ensuring critical tools like ultrasounds remain operational in regions where maintenance is historically unreliable.

The Pregnancy+ app, now downloaded 60 million times globally, further underscores Philips' commitment to accessibility. Available in 22 languages, it delivers personalized health education and connects users to local resources. In Kenya, partnerships with social enterprises like Access Afya and Penda Health have expanded its reach, proving how digital tools can bridge the literacy and infrastructure gaps.

The U.S. Market: Addressing Systemic Inequities

In the U.S., Philips is tackling a different but equally urgent challenge: maternal mortality disparities. Black women face three times the risk of maternal death compared to white women, a gap exacerbated by geographic and socioeconomic barriers. Philips' remote fetal monitoring systems, piloted with Banner Health and NUVO, are now operational in states like Colorado and North Dakota—regions classified as “maternity care deserts.” These systems allow real-time monitoring without requiring patients to travel, a critical lifeline for rural communities.

The Pregnancy+ app's U.S. deployment, particularly in Michigan, has already connected 27,000 Medicaid-eligible families to state resources, demonstrating how data-driven solutions can reduce disparities. Meanwhile, Philips' advocacy for policy changes—such as extended Medicaid postpartum coverage—aligns with the 50% of maternal deaths occurring in this critical period, signaling a strategic focus on systemic solutions.

Data-Driven Growth: The Metrics Matter

Philips' success hinges on measurable outcomes. By 2022, its programs had reached 15 million people in Africa—a milestone en route to its 2030 goal of 100 million annually. The Pregnancy+ app's global adoption and its 10 international design awards (including the 2023 DBA Grand Prix) validate its market appeal.

For investors, the financial case is equally compelling. Philips' healthcare division has outperformed industry peers in recent years, driven by demand for scalable solutions in maternal and community health.

Why Invest Now?

1. Scalability: Philips' partnerships with global coalitions like the Digital Connected Care Coalition and Global Health Equity Network (GHEN) ensure its innovations are replicable across regions.
2. Policy Tailwinds: Governments worldwide are prioritizing maternal health, with the U.S. expanding postpartum coverage and Africa investing in universal health systems.
3. ESG Alignment: Philips' focus on health equity and data governance (e.g., supporting Health Data Governance Principles) positions it as a leader in ESG-driven investing.
4. Untapped Markets: Over 1/3 of U.S. counties are maternity care deserts—a gap Philips is uniquely equipped to address.

Conclusion: A Leader in the Maternal Health Tech Revolution

Philips' strategic partnerships and data-centric approach are not just improving lives—they're building a future where maternal healthcare is equitable and accessible. With $60 billion in global maternal health spending projected by 2030, Philips stands at the forefront of this market, backed by proven outcomes and scalable technology. For investors seeking exposure to a sector with both social impact and financial upside, Philips offers a rare combination of purpose and profit. The time to act is now: the data, the partnerships, and the demand are all in place.

Invest in Philips—where innovation meets impact.