Transforming Maternal Healthcare: The Impact of Portable Ultrasound in Kenya

In Kenya, portable ultrasound devices are significantly enhancing maternal healthcare, particularly in remote villages where access to medical facilities is limited. This innovative technology allows for the early detection of pregnancy complications, ultimately improving outcomes for both mothers and infants and offering hope to marginalized communities.

Namunyak Tajiri, a 37-year-old mother of nine from a village in Namanga, has faced numerous challenges accessing healthcare. Now pregnant with twins, she feels a renewed sense of optimism thanks to the availability of prenatal services supported by portable ultrasound technology. Her previous pregnancies were fraught with difficulties, culminating in the heartbreak of losing one of her twins during her third pregnancy.

Since its launch in November 2020, the UNFPA mobile ultrasound program has made significant strides in maternal health. It has trained many midwives and facilitated screenings for over 2,500 women across Kajiado, Migori, Homabay, and Kisii counties. By providing these services free of charge, the program has enabled midwives to identify complications early, thereby reducing the risks of maternal and infant mortality.

Dorothy Kwamboka, a nurse at the Namanga Health Centre, highlights the logistical challenges faced by women in remote areas. “We have women who come from very far, so transport is a big issue,” she explains. “This often necessitates taking the portable machine directly to them, especially when there are many mothers needing scans and issues with electricity.” Financial constraints also play a role, with some women unable to afford even the nominal fees for scans.

The portable ultrasound technology is particularly critical in areas where healthcare access is scarce and cultural norms may hinder women from seeking hospital-based prenatal care. Community health volunteers have been pivotal in shifting perceptions about the importance of these services, helping to encourage pregnant women to utilize available healthcare options.

The devices enable midwives to reach underserved populations, providing essential care where it is most needed. They emphasize the importance of ultrasounds, which not only assist in identifying complications but also facilitate better planning for delivery.

According to Pilar Molina, the UNFPA Deputy Representative for Kenya, the continent faces significant challenges in meeting maternal mortality reduction targets. Adolescent pregnancy and child marriage are critical issues that need addressing. The introduction of portable ultrasound technology is a vital step forward, allowing for the detection of complications in high-risk pregnancies and ensuring timely referrals to appropriate healthcare facilities.

The cost of an ultrasound scan through this program is Ksh 500 ($3), comparable to prices at public hospitals, while private facilities charge around Ksh 1500. When staffed adequately, facilities can perform up to three scans per day. These scans provide pregnant women with vital information about the position of the baby and placenta, which aids in determining whether a vaginal delivery or cesarean section is more appropriate. Additionally, healthcare providers can detect conditions such as breech presentations early and even ascertain the baby’s gender.

Educating women, men, and children about the importance of prenatal care is ongoing and plays a critical role in improving maternal and infant health outcomes in these communities. Despite progress, the UNFPA reports that in Kenya, 355 women die from pregnancy-related causes for every 100,000 live births, leading to around 5,000 deaths annually among women and girls due to complications related to childbirth.

The transformative impact of portable ultrasound devices in Kenya’s maternal healthcare landscape cannot be overstated. As this technology becomes more widespread, it holds the potential to save countless lives and foster healthier futures for both mothers and their children. By bridging the gap in healthcare access and enhancing early detection of pregnancy complications, portable ultrasounds are truly revolutionizing maternal care in the country.