Uganda deploys AI-powered portable ultrasound scans to boost maternal care

KAMPALA - Uganda has launched AI-powered portable ultrasound devices aimed at helping frontline health workers detect pregnancy risks earlier to improve maternal and newborn outcomes, especially in rural communities.

The devices were unveiled on April 29 at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Nicosam and other maternal health partners, bringing together midwives, nurses, and obstetric specialists.

At the launch, Prof Charles Olaro, Director General at the Ministry of Health, said the technology marks a shift in how maternal care is delivered, moving services closer to patients and enabling faster clinical decisions.

“This brings the power of real-time imaging directly to the bedside, whether in a national referral hospital or the most remote facility. It will reduce delayed diagnosis, improve outcomes, and ultimately save lives,” Olaro said.

The handheld rechargeable devices are portable, low-cost, and powered by artificial intelligence, allowing nurses and midwives to conduct scans and interpret results without needing advanced radiology training, an innovation designed to expand access at lower-level health facilities.

David Obluk, Managing Director at Nicosam Healthcare Limited, who delivered the 15 devices on behalf of Gates Foundation, said the technology addresses long-standing barriers that have limited access to ultrasound services across the country, including high costs, distance, and shortage of skilled personnel.

“Most mothers have to travel kilometres to access ultrasound services, and even when machines are available, they are bulky and require specialised knowledge,” Obluk said. “With AI-enabled devices, we are empowering frontline health workers to identify high-risk conditions early.”

He added that the programme includes structured training, maintenance systems, and real-time monitoring to ensure the equipment remains functional and in use, avoiding a common problem where medical devices are left idle in facilities.

The rollout is supported by partners, including Hatch Technologies, with initial deployment of 15 devices funded by the Gates Foundation. More than 300 health workers have already been trained, with plans to reach at least 600 by the end of 2026.

Dr Audrey Chepkemoi from Hatch Technologies said the initiative goes beyond equipment distribution to building sustainable systems that ensure long-term impact in maternal and newborn care.

Several health workers said the new technology could transform care, particularly in emergency situations and during night shifts when access to diagnostic services is often limited.

Sr Eva Nangaalo, a senior midwife at Nakaseke Hospital, shared a personal experience that highlighted the consequences of limited access to ultrasound services in maternity care.

“I once delivered conjoined twins at night without knowing,” Nangaalo said. “There was no ultrasound available, and by the time we realised what was happening, it was too late. Those babies died, and that pain has stayed with me.”

She said such cases are not uncommon in low-resource settings, where midwives often have to make critical decisions without adequate diagnostic support, especially outside regular working hours.

“You feel helpless when you know what should be done, but you cannot confirm it. With this technology, we can make better decisions in time and save lives,” she said.

According to the Ministry of Health, only about 28% of pregnant women in Uganda currently access at least one ultrasound scan during pregnancy, despite recommendations for routine screening. Officials estimate that up to 15 percent of pregnancies develop complications that require early detection.

Dr. Richard Mugahi, the Commissioner for Reproductive, Maternal, and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, said the technology is critical in identifying high-risk pregnancies that would otherwise go unnoticed, particularly in rural areas.

“This innovation allows frontline workers to identify risks early and take appropriate action before it is too late,” Mugahi said.

The devices also support image storage and remote sharing, enabling midwives to consult specialists in referral hospitals, strengthening diagnosis through telemedicine and improving coordination across levels of care.

Prof Olaro emphasised that while the technology is promising, its success will depend on proper training, consistent use, and integration into routine health services.

“Technology alone is not enough. We must invest in our health workers and ensure this equipment is used effectively to transform care,” he said.

The government plans to scale up deployment to more health facilities, particularly health centre IIIs, where a significant proportion of deliveries now take place, as part of efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.

Health experts at the launch said the introduction of AI-powered portable ultrasound could mark a turning point in Uganda’s maternal health response, bringing essential diagnostic services closer to women and improving outcomes at the frontlines of care.