Ultrasound Scan Study in Rural Uganda-Luuka District

UDHA aims to test the feasibility of obstetric ultra sound scan in identifying pregnancy morbidity for pre-labour referral and to assess outcomes in rural Uganda with funding from Grand challenges Canada. UDHA’s effort focuses on creating and increasing awareness of the benefits of ultrasound services and making ultra sound available and accessible to all pregnant mothers in rural areas. The already existing MOH structures of Health facilities and VHT are guided by the project team to implement the project. the project is rolled out to other areas after an 18 months’ study supported by Grand challenges Canada, while policy and technical advice is continually sought from key partners including the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, research institutions.

Lessons:

• It is possible to improve uptake of ANC services in rural settings by offering outreach ultra sound scan services (case: Naigobya H/C III).
• It is possible to do integrated outreach ultra sound services in rural setting and VHTs can effectively identify pregnant mothers and give advice utilize ultra sound scan services
• There is high demand for outreach ultra sound scan services, most evident in communities where the political leadership is supportive and involved in the key USS activities at village level, the up-take of the USS packages is progressively encouraging.
• Bringing Ultrasound scan services nearer to community members helps save lives, resources and improve identification and management of high risk pregnancies.