By introducing - and evaluating - low cost, high impact technologies in underserved areas of Africa, we are working to improve the course of clinical management.
Low cost, high-yield technologies
The Division of Global Health and Human Rights has championed the use of various low-cost, high yield medical technologies in underserved areas of Africa. Some examples of these technologies include:
- Ultrasound
- Pulse oximetry
- Oxygen concentrators
- Ambubags for resuscitation
- Uterine balloon tamponade to control post-partum hemorrhage
The uterine condom balloon consists of a condom tied to a Foley catheter that can be inflated with clean water inside of a hemorrhaging uterus to arrest bleeding. Uterine balloon tamponade is standard of care in the United States, but the manufactured medical balloons used in US hospitals are single-use and can cost over $300 apiece. The condom balloon provides an ultra-affordable alternative using components available in even the most resource-poor healthcare settings. In areas where surgical and pharmaceutical interventions are not available, the uterine condom balloon has been shown to stop bleeding effectively and allow time for the mother to be transported to a higher-level health facility.
The MGH Division of Global Health and Human Rights has partnered with KMET, PATH, and others to train midwives, birth attendants, and medical professionals in Eastern Africa to use the condom balloon to stop postpartum hemorrhage, with the goal of making UBT an accessible intervention for uterine bleeding for every delivering mother in the world.
For additional information watch the following videos:
"Saving women's lives across Africa"
"Dr. Richard Olunga's testimonial"
"Midwives stories from Africa"
