The project called “Mimba Yangu” (My pregnancy) aims to assess the outcomes and potential impact of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended one ultrasound in every pregnancy before 24 weeks in light of utilization of primary health care services, pregnancy outcomes and maternal-newborn health.

In Kenya, despite the decrease in maternal deaths countrywide, Kilifi County still features as one of the 15 counties that contribute to 98% of the total burden of maternal deaths in the country. According to the County Government of Kilifi, it is estimated that in every 100,000 live births, a total of 488 deaths are reported, which translate to over 200 women dying every year in the County.

Prof Marleen Temmerman, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Director of the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, AKU, East Africa, said that the project’s ambition is to reach 200,000 lives in three sub-counties in Kilifi County and it will target 17 health facilities over the duration of 18 months from September this year.

“The portable ultra sound equipment will enhance communication between the target population who are pregnant women and their partners/spouses, community health workers and the broader health system through utilization of digital innovation and telemedicine approach,” she said.

Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, East Africa and Philips Foundation will set up, train and deploy portable ultrasounds (Lumify) and the mobile obstetric monitoring (MOM) applications at the primary health care and lower tertiary level hospitals in in Kilifi County.

Prof Robert Armstrong, Dean, Medical College for East Africa, said: “As the Medical College, we are committed towards reducing maternal mortality not only in Kilifi County, but also across the country in line with goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda which is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.” 

Community health volunteers will be enabled using the mobile obstetric monitoring device to identify and refer pregnant women to the health facility for early antenatal care. In addition, health personnel will be trained in quality maternal care and application of ultrasound during pregnancy including eLearning and telemedicine.

Margot Cooijmans, Senior Operations Director, Philips Foundation said: “Our objective is to use mobile ultrasound technology at primary care level, performed by midwives and supported by remote experts through telehealth, to enhance availability of affordable maternal services in the underserved communities in Kilifi County.” 

The project will go a long way towards strengthening quality maternal health service provision, increase male involvement in antenatal care and enhance birth preparedness at both the individual target group and the primary health care level in Kilifi County.