Meet the Solver Teams: Introducing our 7 Maternal & Newborn Health Innovators

Every 11 seconds, a woman or newborn dies of complications related to pregnancy or childbirth, mostly from preventable or treatable causes. Obstacles to physical and mental well-being abound, from premature birth complications for babies to postpartum complications for women. 

That’s why Solve launched our Maternal and Newborn Health Challenge this year. We asked innovators from around the world, how can every woman, new mother, and newborn access the care they need to survive and thrive? Social entrepreneurs from 60 countries responded with 277 new and creative solutions to expand access to high quality and affordable care, decrease the risk of disease among mothers and newborns, improve gynecological health, and support  women’s mental and emotional health throughout pregnancy and after childbirth. 

This week at Virtual Solve Challenge Finals, our expert judges selected seven solutions from a group of 15 outstanding finalists. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the newly selected Solver teams. Meet the 2020 Maternal and Newborn Health Solver Class!

Bioforge Neonatal Incubator

Bioforge Neonatal Incubator is a low-cost and easily assembled incubator designed to reduce neonatal mortality in environments with limited resources.

Democratizing Ultrasounds Across Africa

Democratizing Ultrasounds Across Africa increases access to ultrasound imaging in peri-urban Kenya using the Butterfly iQ, a low-cost, handheld ultrasound device that remotely connects healthcare practitioners to patients.

Maisha

Maisha treats postpartum depression (PPD) through an intelligent messaging system that uses machine learning and natural language processing to screen for PPD and connect pregnant women to healthcare professionals.

Maziwa Breast Pump

Maziwa Breast Pump is a discreet and convenient breast pump designed for working mothers, allowing them to express breast milk in any environment.

Salamat

Salamat is a maternal health app that securely stores patient data in centralized records to enable patient-doctor communication and continuous follow-up for mothers and newborns.

Ubenwa

Ubenwa is a mobile app leveraging machine learning to screen for birth asphyxia by interpreting a newborn’s cry sounds.

Universally Friendly Obturator

The Universally Friendly Obturator is a 3D-printed, reusable applicator used in late-stage cervical cancer brachytherapy that decreases patient morbidity and complications by eliminating the need for highly invasive transcutaneous needles.

Feeling inspired? Find out how you can support these innovators, and learn more about joining Solve as a Member.