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For every  100,000 children born in South Africa, approximately 300 babies die due to  birth complications, including stillbirth. Yet 40 per cent of stillbirths are  preventable if adequate antenatal care is available. The vast majority of  these deaths occur in rural areas where healthcare services and resources are  limited. In a recent edition of eNCA Tech Report, Thenji Stemela discusses the  keys to better maternal care in Africa and how GE’s Vscan is playing its  role.

Maternal and  newborn health remains one of the most pressing priorities in Africa. According  to the World Bank, more than 74 per cent of maternal deaths could be  prevented if all women had access to interventions that address complications  in pregnancy and childbirth. Mokhtar Hamed, African Leader for Ultrasound, GE  Healthcare believes that a lack of technology and skilled health resources  are among the reasons for poor maternal health outcomes.

To help  reduce pregnancy-related deaths, GE developed its ultrasound device called  the Vscan. Its robust specifications ensure it is able to function fully in  rural settings. Designed for use by primary healthcare workers, the  battery-powered portable device enables the early detection of life-threatening  pregnancy complications and improves clinical decision-making and pregnancy  management.

In Tanzania, the deployment of ultrasound devices in rural clinics has enabled healthcare  workers to detect pregnancy issues early on, allowing for better care for  their patients. With improved technology, caregivers have the ability to  extend the reach of high quality care for mothers and newborns. Research  shows that investing in better maternal health not only improves a mother’s  health but also that of her family and her community.

GE committed $6 billion to continuously develop  innovations that help clinicians and healthcare providers deliver high quality  healthcare at lower cost to more people around the world and the Vscan is one  such-device delivering on this commitment.

Check out eNCA Tech Report’s video on Vscan below:

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