Transforming Maternal Care in Zambia with OB POCUS Training

A group photo of the representing teams present at the Opening Ceremony of the official hand-over at the Defense School of Health Sciences (DSHS) on Monday 02 December 2024 in Lusaka, Zambia. Present: Zambian Defense Force (ZDF); Office of Security Cooperation – U.S. Army (OSC); ButterflyNetwork and Global Ultrasound Institute

 

Improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a vital global challenge. Monday, 02 December 2024 marked a significant milestone in this journey with the handover of Butterfly Network, Inc. ultrasound devices to the Zambian Defence Force (ZDF). This initiative is more than just a technological upgrade—it is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming healthcare systems.

The Role of Technology in Transforming Care

These ultrasound devices will play a crucial role in the training the Global Ultrasound Institute (GUSI) provides in Obstetric Point-of-Care Ultrasound (Ob POCUS). This initiative aims to empower medical teams to make timely, life-saving decisions for mothers and newborns by equipping healthcare providers with these tools and the necessary skills.

 

Address from Lt Col Matt Yan – Defense Attaché for the US Embassy, Zambia

 

Lt Col Matt Yan officially handed the Butterfly devices over to a National Health representative.

 

The Zambian Defense Force operates:

• 60 military hospitals that provide antenatal care (ANC).
• 46 military facilities offering delivery services.
• Yet, only 5 facilities currently have access to ultrasound technology.

This gap highlights the importance of initiatives like this one, which strive to bridge disparities in access to essential diagnostic tools.

 

Lt Col Matt Yan announcing all representations present

 

Office of Security Cooperation – U.S. Army (OSC) partnership representatives.From Left to Right: Staff Sergeant Blake Sorrel – NCO, Office of Security Cooperation, Zambia Lt Col Matt Yan – Defense Attaché for the US Embassy, Zambia Major Gene Uhler – Chief, Office of Security Cooperation U.S. Embassy Lusaka, Zambia

 

Building Stronger Partnerships for Health

The collaboration between Butterfly Network, the American Office of Security Cooperation (OSC), the Zambian Defense Force, and GUSI represents a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. Such partnerships demonstrate how global efforts can make a local impact, fostering healthier communities in LMICs.

A Future of Healthier Communities

This handover is not just a moment in time—it’s a building block for a future where every mother and child has access to quality care. The work being done here is a reminder that with the right tools, skills, and collaborations, we can overcome systemic challenges and create lasting change.

Gratitude and Optimism

A heartfelt thank you to all the teams and organizations that made this initiative a reality. Your efforts are shaping a healthier future, one innovation at a time. These are the moments that matter—moments that echo in eternity.

Together, we’re proving that progress in maternal health is possible and that no challenge is insurmountable when we work together.

 

Partnership representatives. From Left to Right: (1) Dr Evaristo Kunka – Family physician (Lead GUSI Instructor), Family Medicine program coordinator – Unza School of Public Health (2) National Health Representative (3) Palesa Matlala – Butterfly In-country Project Manager, South Africa (4) Major Gene Uhler – Chief, Office of Security Cooperation US Embassy Zambia (5) Liesl Annandale – Regional GUSI Operations Lead (6) Col Mulima Litiya – Zambian Defense Force (7) Commandant Brig Gen Dr M Sheyo – Defense School of Health Sciences, Zambia (8) National Health Representative (9) Lt Col Matt Yan – Defence Attaché for the US Embassy, Zambia (10) Dr J Kasela – Chief General of Medical Services, Zambian Defense Force (11) Edward Mwangi – Butterfly Senior Manager, Commercial and Global Health Africa.