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Portable ultrasound devices are revolutionizing maternal healthcare in Kenya’s remote villages by enabling earlier detection of pregnancy complications. This vital technology is improving outcomes for both mothers and infants, offering new hope to marginalized communities.
Namunyak Tajiri, a 37-year-old mother of nine from a remote village in Namanga, has long struggled to access healthcare. Now pregnant with twins, she feels more optimistic thanks to portable ultrasound services. Her previous pregnancies were fraught with challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of one twin during her third pregnancy.
Since its launch in November 2020, the UNFPA mobile ultrasound program has trained numerous midwives and screened over 2,500 women across Kajiado, Migori, Homabay, and Kisii counties. The program provides the devices free of charge, helping midwives identify pregnancy complications early, significantly reducing maternal and infant mortality.
Dorothy Kwamboka, a nurse at Namanga Health Centre, explains, “Many women come from far-flung areas, and transport is a major issue. We often take the portable machine to them, but sometimes, due to electricity problems and the sheer number of patients, we can’t conduct as many scans as needed. Financial constraints are also a barrier for some women.”
Portable ultrasound technology is particularly valuable in regions where healthcare access is limited, and cultural factors may discourage pregnant women from seeking hospital-based prenatal care. Community health volunteers have been instrumental in shifting these attitudes, encouraging more women to use the service.
The portability of the devices has enhanced midwifery services, allowing midwives to deliver critical care to women in remote areas. Scans provide crucial information, enabling women and healthcare providers to make informed decisions and plan for potential complications.
Pilar Molina, UNFPA’s Deputy Representative for Kenya, emphasizes that Africa faces numerous challenges in meeting maternal mortality reduction targets, including adolescent pregnancy and child marriage. She notes that new technology, such as portable ultrasounds, plays a key role in managing high-risk pregnancies and ensuring timely referrals for appropriate care.
At a cost of Ksh 500 ($3) per scan—on par with public hospitals—this service is more affordable than private facilities, which charge around Ksh 1,500. The facility can perform up to three scans a day when fully staffed. Expectant mothers are informed about the baby’s position and placenta, aiding in decisions between natural birth and caesarean sections, and early identification of issues like breech positions and the baby’s gender.
Ongoing education efforts among women, men, and children about the importance of prenatal care are further improving maternal and infant health in these communities. UNFPA reports that in Kenya, 355 women die from pregnancy-related causes for every 100,000 live births, leading to approximately 5,000 maternal deaths annually due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Dj Vnyash
