Butterfly Network, a digital health company renowned for its portable, semiconductor-based ultrasound technology and intuitive software, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with two esteemed partners. Teaming up with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), a global health organization dedicated to reducing the burden of disease and strengthening health systems, and the Global Ultrasound Institute (GUSI), a leader in ultrasound education, Butterfly Network is set to transform maternal and fetal health in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This partnership has initiated Phase Two of Butterfly's ambitious program aimed at deploying 1,000 iQ+ probes and providing point-of-care ultrasound training for maternal and fetal health in the region. Funded by a $5M grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this initiative is a pivotal step towards ensuring more women receive ultrasounds and benefit from life-saving diagnostic tools. Building on the success of Phase One, where 500 iQ+ handheld probes were distributed across Kenya in Q4 2022, Phase Two, titled Siyakubona, will see the remaining 500 devices deployed to healthcare workers across up to six provinces in South Africa.

The program's efforts kicked off today in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, with approximately 50 mid-level practitioners enrolled in a comprehensive week-long training program facilitated by GUSI. This course equips health workers with the skills and confidence needed to conduct obstetric ultrasound screenings, crucial for assessing key indicators such as fetal position and the presence of multiples, as well as identifying high-risk conditions. This training program represents a significant step forward in improving maternal and fetal health in South Africa, as emphasized by Vishal Brijlal, Senior Country Advisor at CHAI.

South Africa, an emerging market, continues to grapple with disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and stillbirth. The need for easier access to antenatal imaging and better screening capabilities for high-risk conditions in rural areas is paramount. Through this collaboration, Butterfly Network, CHAI, and GUSI are not only enhancing diagnostic capabilities but also strengthening healthcare delivery systems, ultimately saving the lives of mothers and babies and building healthier communities.

Source: butterflynetwork.com

 

 

 

 

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