Empowering South African Healthcare: Global Ultrasound Institute Partners in Maternal Health Initiative

The Global Ultrasound Institute (GUSI) was proud to play a pivotal role in a recent groundbreaking initiative to improve maternal and fetal health in South Africa. We partnered with Butterfly Network, a leader in handheld ultrasound technology, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to bring the life-saving benefits of ultrasound to more expectant mothers and their babies.

The Challenge: Maternal and Fetal Health in South Africa

South Africa faces a significant challenge in maternal and fetal health care. Many women in remote or underserved areas lack access to essential medical services, including ultrasound screenings. This can result in delayed diagnoses of complications during pregnancy, potentially leading to tragic outcomes for both mother and child.

GUSI, Butterfly Network, and CHAI: A Powerful Partnership

Our collaboration with Butterfly Network and CHAI aimed to address this challenge head-on. The transformative program, fueled by a generous $5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, centered around the deployment of 1,000 Butterfly iQ+ portable ultrasound probes across South Africa. These innovative devices allow healthcare workers to conduct ultrasound scans right at the point of care.

GUSI was entrusted with the critical task of providing comprehensive ultrasound training for healthcare professionals. Our expert trainers traveled to regions across South Africa, empowering doctors, nurses, and midwives with the skills to use the Butterfly technology and confidently interpret the ultrasound images.

Siyakubona: Phase Two Success

In April 2024, the second phase of this project, titled “Siyakubona” (meaning “we see you” in Zulu) was successfully launched in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. GUSI provided intensive, week-long training sessions for approximately 50 health workers. Our curriculum focused on using ultrasound to identify obstetric conditions and potential complications, essential for improving pregnancy outcomes.

The Impact: Saving Lives and Improving Health

The impact of this collaboration is already being felt. Healthcare workers equipped with Butterfly iQ+ and GUSI training are better positioned to:

• Detect potential pregnancy complications earlier
• Identify high-risk pregnancies requiring specialized care
• Monitor fetal development more closely
• Provide expectant mothers with greater reassurance

Ultimately, this translates to saved lives, healthier babies, and stronger communities.

GUSI’s Commitment to Global Health

The South Africa initiative reflects GUSI’s unwavering dedication to improving global health by empowering providers worldwide with ultrasound expertise. We believe access to ultrasound is a fundamental right, and we will continue to break down barriers that prevent communities from receiving this life-saving diagnostic tool.