How m2m is Bringing Cutting Edge Technology to the Frontlines of Community Health

At a glance:

• m2m is trialling a new, cutting-edge digital tool for community health workers that includes AI summaries, smart learning, geolocation tools, and much more.
• The app, called CHARM, has been created through a strategic partnership with technology company Causal Foundry, backed by Google.org.
• After intensive input from our frontline teams and a successful trial, we are taking the app to scale, and will openly share learnings in the months ahead.

Only seven years remain to achieve the Global Goal of Health for All. And, with recent devastating cuts to overseas development assistance, it is clear that we will all have to do more with less to make this goal a reality.

Why Digital Innovation Matters for Community Health

mothers2mothers (m2m) has a proud track record of using cutting-edge digital technologies in our work, and now, we are bringing the latest digital technologies, including relevant aspects of AI, to the frontlines of community health, through a new application called CHARM.

The goal is simple: improve health outcomes for m2m clients while making the work of our community health workers (CHWs) more efficient and impactful. With the help of AI company Causal Foundry, backed by a grant from Google.org, we have created CHARM. This app consolidates previously fragmented systems and paper-based records into one unified, intelligent digital platform.

Key Features of the CHARM App

This new, “one-stop” digital tool for our frontline teams:

• Brings together client data and background in one place, allowing CHWs to effectively plan and deliver services for clients. CHARM integrates client records with clinical and behavioural data, and uses machine learning to generate real-time, tailored recommendations for personalised care.
• Incorporates short training videos and other materials to allow CHWs to quickly and effectively refresh or improve their skills.
• Leverages geo-location tools to allow CHWs to plan and deliver home and community-based services safely and efficiently
• Streamlines data collection and analysis, allowing CHWs and their managers to rapidly assess outcomes and prioritise scarce resources

“CHARM profiles each client and adapts care based on their needs and risk factors. Features like smart scheduling, gentle nudges for follow-ups, dashboards, and demo videos help lighten the mental load for CHWs and support quicker decision-making,” explains Moeti Moleko, m2m Strategic Information Analyst.

Co-Designing Technology with Community Health Workers

And, of course, true to our values at m2m, from the outset, CHARM was co-designed with m2m CHWs on the ground at our Innovation Hub in Cape Town. Through workshops, user testing, and in-depth interviews, m2m CHWs helped shape every aspect of the tool, from the app’s layout to the selection of features. Their feedback also led to the inclusion of offline functionality, ensuring the app remains effective even in areas with limited or no connectivity. During the pilot phase, CHARM has been used to enrol more than 8,000 clients, and complete more than 12,000 risk assessments.

“CHARM is easy to use, saves us time, and helps us deliver more focused care to more clients each day. In under-resourced health centres where time and staff are limited, tools like CHARM really boost our capacity. We can quickly enrol clients, complete risk assessments, and provide services tailored to their needs. There’s still room to add features, but already it’s a big step forward. What stands out most is how the content helps us ask better questions and offer better support.”—Millicent Magwa, Community Coordinator, Innovation Hub, South Africa.

Scaling CHARM Across Africa

Now that this minimal viable product is ready, CHARM is being rolled out to other m2m sites across the African continent. Beginning in October 2025, CHARM will be expanded to 35 health facilities supporting 80 frontline staff members.  By the end of 2025, CHARM will be rolled out in all m2m countries of operation. We are committed to sharing what we learn as we go.

“This is part of our bigger commitment to strengthen health systems and create a smarter, more responsive model of care,” says Dr. Kathrin Schmitz, Chief Programmes and Impact Officer at m2m.

Cutting edge digital innovation might seem worlds away from a busy clinic or a rural outreach visit—but CHARM is showing that advanced technology can be both practical and relevant in frontline, community-based care. To receive further updates, sign up for our newsletter here.

Read more about CHARM

Watch a video produced by our partners Causal Foundry