A low-cost web app for health workers to register patients and send automated, bilingual (English/Chichewa) SMS reminders for antenatal care, vaccinations, and check-ups. Reduces missed visits using Africa's Talking API. Built with Python Flask & free tools. 🇲🇼
# MamaNaMwanalo 👩👧📱
**MamaNaMwanalo** (Mother and Child in Chichewa) – A Simple SMS Reminder System for Maternal and Child Health Appointments in Rural Malawi.
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## 🎯 Problem & Impact (2025 Context)
Malawi has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally (~**381 per 100,000** live births) and significant child stunting (~**35-38%**). Rural mothers and children often miss critical appointments (antenatal care, vaccinations, postnatal checks) due to:
- Distance to clinics (5-15km average)
- Transport costs (MK2,000-5,000 per trip)
- **Forgetfulness and low awareness**
**Evidence shows** SMS reminders increase attendance by **20-50%** in similar African settings by helping families plan ahead.
**MamaNaMwanalo** sends personalized, bilingual SMS reminders directly to basic mobile phones – **no smartphone or internet needed** for recipients.
✅ Aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health) and Malawi's Health Sector Strategic Plan.
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## ✨ Features
- 📝 **Patient registration** by health workers (name, phone, village, due date)
- 📅 **Automated appointment scheduling** based on Malawi guidelines (ANC, vaccinations, postnatal)
- 💬 **Personalized SMS reminders** in English/Chichewa, sent 1-2 days before visits
- 📊 **Dashboard** for tracking attendance and generating reports
- 📱 **Mobile-friendly & offline-capable** (Progressive Web App design)
- 💰 **Low-cost** (~MK50 per SMS) – built with free tools for scalability
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## 🛠 Tech Stack
| Component | Technology |
|-----------|-----------|
| **Backend** | Python Flask |
| **Database** | SQLite |
| **Frontend** | HTML/CSS/JavaScript + Bootstrap |
| **SMS Gateway** | Africa's Talking API |
| **Hosting** | Render / Heroku (free tier) |
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## 🚀 Quick Start
### Prerequisites
- Python 3.8+
- Git
### Setup & Run Locally
```bash
# 1. Clone the repository
git clone
github.com
cd mamanamwanalo
# 2. Create virtual environment (recommended)
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activ …