Heart beat watch

Globally, stillbirths and neonatal deaths are high with approximately 99% occuring in developing countries. Lack of proper intrapartum monitoring has been highlighted as one of the causes delaying definitive management. This is due to either shortage of skilled labour or unskilled labour being used. The device is low cost and records fetal activity for 30 min  and also alarms when an abnormality is detected. this will assist in detecting fetal distress and allow proper management  to be done. 

The challenge is aiming to to improve intrapartum care and reduce number of stillbirths and babies delivered with birth asphyxia 

The solution is a doppler machine "Moyo"which is low cost and is able to record readings for 30 mins. It is  strapped on the mothers abdomen and sounds an alarm when an abnormality is detected.

The solution intents to improve intrapartum monitoring, assist in detecting fetal distress and reduce perinatal mortality 

The challenges focuses on maternal and newborn health.This device will increase detection of fetal distress and improve the quality of intrapartum care 

This solution has already been proved to be effective. It is low cost and easy to use. There is a monitoring gap during the intrapartum period in the country. The cost is reasonable given the functions that are available. There is potential for great impact in reducing mortality for term  newborns.

The technology is a "Moyo" doppler machine that records the reading for the past 30 mins and alarms when there is am abnormality detected. 

The effectiveness of this doppler device has been published in the article cited below: 

Kamala BA, Ersdal HL, Dalen I, Abeid MS, Ngarina MM, Perlman JM, et al. (2018) Implementation of a novel continuous fetal Doppler (Moyo) improves quality of intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring in a resource-limited tertiary hospital in Tanzania: An observational study. PLoS ONE 13(10): e0205698. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205698

The more accurately fetal distress is detected, the earlier intervention can be instituted and the baby saved. 

Currently the potential impact in the district  is at least 5000 and in 5 years if well implemented is more than 25000

The province has a population of 1.8 million. It is divided into 7 administrative districts. One of the districts in the vicinity can be first deployed with the device at admitting facilities. Mutare district has 2 rural districts and 3 facilities that perform Cesarean sections. These can be targeted  first to use the machine. 10 devices can be initially deployed in the district and parameters recorded regarding the perinatal mortality outcome in one district. Over the years, these can then be Th extended to the other districts 

The major barrier is financial to procure the gadgets.

Moyo device : I hope to approach partners that work with the ministry in maternal and newborn health if they would considered funding this project.

I also hope to approach the business community to find out if they may also assist.

Currently there are part time staff. The project will  involve the matrons and maternity sisters in charge of the hospitals  as well as the district nursing officer for Mutare district to supervise the 2 rural hospitals

The team works in the ministry of health maternity departments where the implementation of the proposed solution will be done.