Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) partnered with Rainbow for Africa UK. They introduced Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) technology in Kenya. The initiative aims to improve maternal healthcare. Training sessions occurred from 1st to 3rd October 2024 for healthcare workers. This included radiologists, nurses, and doctors. These sessions were part of the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP). The UK Department of Health and Social Care funds the initiative through the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET). It focuses on strengthening health systems in Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria.
What’s POCUS Technology
POCUS enables healthcare workers in primary facilities across Kakamega, Vihiga, and Busia counties to carry out ultrasounds directly. This improves early diagnosis, referrals, and treatment interventions. This technology is expected to reduce wait times and costs for expectant mothers while enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
The ability to detect complications early will lead to prompt interventions, ultimately improving maternal and prenatal health outcomes.
Speaking during a joint meeting with the partners, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, underscored the University’s dedication to addressing maternal health challenges through research-driven interventions. He commended the partnership with Rainbow for Africa UK, emphasizing its role in improving maternal healthcare services.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to advancing healthcare outcomes through research-based interventions. We equip healthcare workers with portable ultrasound devices. We also give them with diagnostic expertise. This ensures that expectant women, particularly in rural areas, receive timely and effective care. This collaboration strengthens healthcare delivery. It also elevates MMUST’s position as a leader in shaping the future of medical education in Kenya. It aligns perfectly with our mission to address key health challenges. These challenges include infectious diseases and mental health. We are focused on building stronger, more resilient healthcare systems,” remarked Prof. Shibairo.
Collaboration
Dr. Massimo Gozzelino is the Chairman of Rainbow for Africa UK and the Board of Trustees. He expressed his concern over high maternal and prenatal mortality rates. He underscored the need for more effective healthcare interventions. He highlighted the growing interest in POCUS technology, emphasizing its potential to transform maternal healthcare delivery. Dr. Gozzelino emphasized the need to foster clinician relationships. This is crucial to ensure continuous knowledge exchange between the UK and Kenyan healthcare professionals.
“Establishing strong connections between clinicians will enhance collaboration. It will encourage the sharing of best practices. This will ultimately improve healthcare outcomes in local communities. Our organization is committed to expanding the POCUS program. This is a key strategy to address these pressing challenges. It will improve maternal and infant health,” he stated.
The initiative also emphasizes training Community Health Workers (CHWs) to ensure POCUS accessibility at the grassroots level. The collaboration aims to promote sustainable healthcare development and improve maternal and prenatal health outcomes across Kenya.