Butterfly Network has sent 500 of its iQ+ handheld ultrasound devices to Kenya as part of a charitable effort to improve outcomes for, primarily, mothers-to-be and their babies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The gifting is to be complemented by a train-the-trainer program and is supported by a multimillion-dollar grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Butterfly Network kicked off the project this week in a ceremony at Kenyatta University, according to announcement posted Sept. 20.
The announcement cites World Health Organization statistics showing that, globally, 830 women die from pregnancy- or childbirth-related complications daily. Half these lives are lost in Sub-Saharan Africa, WHO data shows.
At the launch ceremony, project leaders presented 50 Kenyan healthcare practitioners with an iQ+, the technology of which is compatible with most major mobile devices once an associated app is downloaded.
Some of these newly prepared practitioners took the occasion to give local pregnant women their first ultrasound exams at the ceremony.
Along with using the technology to care for patients, the 50 will pay forward their learnings to other providers, the goal being to have a pool of 500 ultrasound-proficient workers by the end of the year, Butterfly Network explains.
The training phase of the rollout will be led by the Global Ultrasound Institute, which will concentrate on prepping health workers at more than 50 sites serving rural communities with pronounced maternal health challenges.
Also contributing to the endeavor is the software company Jamf.
Darius Shahida, a Butterfly Network C-level executive, says the company’s work in Kenya “represents the beginning of what’s possible in terms of providing practitioners with the tools, training and confidence to transform care with ultrasound information. … Obstetricians in high-income countries use ultrasound every day and so we’re honored to empower midwives across Africa with the same ability—one we know will meaningfully enhance care for pregnant women and their unborn infants.”
Also quoted in the announcement are the acting vice chancellor of Kenyatta University, the CEO of Global Ultrasound Institute and the CEO of Jamf.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.