Scale-Up of Sustainable Ultrasound Delivery for Saving Lives at Birth

Over half of childbirth deaths in developing nations are attributed to treatable conditions such as hemorrhage from an abnormal placental location, fetal malpresentation, or obstructed labor. If identified in advance, such conditions can be prevented through life-saving treatment. In sub-Saharan Africa, a woman has 1 in 30 lifetime chance of dying from complications of childbirth. While ultrasound is effective in diagnosing many of these problems, traditionally it requires expensive equipment; high electrical power; and on-site, highly trained operators. To address these challenges, ITW has piloted and is prepared to scale-up an innovative, integrated 3D volumetric imaging solution for low-cost, easy-to-use, high quality ultrasound image acquisition and interpretation for antenatal care. The technology has undergone careful design and testing in under-resourced communities to ensure economic viability and self-sustainability. ITW will pair its train-the-trainer program for healthcare workers, diagnostic quality ultrasound technology, and cell phone and internet image transmission with creative community outreach to increase demand, creating a sustainable, fully scalable program to save the lives of expectant mothers and their babies. Over the next four years, ITW will select three districts in Uganda as well as one district in each of three different low-resource countries for implementation, in partnership with in-country organizations. At least 90000 expectant mothers will be served over the four years of this project and over 36000 per year thereafter. Outcomes tracking will demonstrate the solution's value and sustainability for further expansion.