Eclampsia remains a global health concern, responsible for a significant percentage of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. In fact, it is estimated that eclampsia contributes to 2-8% of all maternal deaths worldwide. This pregnancy-induced condition poses life-threatening risks to both mothers and infants, particularly in regions with limited resources where existing tests for specific biomarkers are unsatisfactory. However, hope shines brightly in the form of Ifakara Health Tool Manufacturing (IHTM) a startup dedicated to improving maternal health through its signature project - Mama Check.
Mama Check is a self-diagnostic tool specifically designed for pregnant women to detect early risk factors of preeclampsia. By identifying these risk factors early on, Mama Check empowers expectant mothers to seek appropriate clinical intervention, potentially saving lives and preventing complications associated with preeclampsia. The easy-to-use Mama Check diagnostic tool serves as a vital early warning system, promoting timely referrals for necessary treatments.
Mama Check's journey began with their participation in the idea marathon organized by Ifakara Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Essential Tech of EPFL. Recognizing the tremendous potential of their idea, Mama Check joined the Product Development Partnership (PDP) incubation program in 2021. Leveraging the resources provided by the consortium, they have been diligently working to enhance their idea and transform it into a commercially viable product. Utilizing the state-of-the-art equipment at PDP, Mama Check has successfully completed the qualitative phase and is now advancing towards quantifying biomarkers to establish a reliable reference standard ratio for ruling in and out the risk of preeclampsia.
By enabling early and accurate detection of preeclampsia, Mama Check holds the promise of significantly improving maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. Timely identification of this condition can lead to prompt medical intervention, reducing the risk of complications and adverse effects on both the mother and the fetus. Moreover, Mama Check's innovative approach has the potential to pave the way for advancements in prenatal care and women's health as a whole. It exemplifies the power of leveraging cutting-edge technology to address critical healthcare challenges and underscores the importance of continuous research and development in the field of maternal and fetal medicine. With its potential to revolutionize prenatal care, the diagnostic tool has the capacity to positively impact the lives of countless expectant mothers and their babies worldwide.
Mama Check envisions promoting equitable access to healthcare services and improving the health and well-being of people across Africa. Their diagnostic tool represents the startup's stepping stones toward achieving this vision. By acting as an early warning system, the Mama Check tool provides equal chances for every individual, regardless of geographical location or social-economic status, to access quality healthcare in a timely manner.
In conclusion, Mama Check Diagnostic Tools stands at the forefront of medical technology advancement, driven by a vision of creating a positive impact on maternal health. Through their innovative self-diagnostic tool, Mama Check is leading the charge in ensuring timely interventions, improving health outcomes, and championing access to quality healthcare for expectant mothers, leaving a lasting mark on the field of maternal and fetal medicine.
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First published on 19 July 2023
