e-Communications Research Group

In Sub-Saharan Africa, there is the highest Maternal Mortality Rates (MMR) at 546 Maternal Deaths per 100,000 Live Births compared to the average MMR in developed regions at 12 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

We  propose a prototype of an ultra-low power wearable device built on a single board computer, integrated with specialized sensors for measuring maternal conditions (heart-rate, respiratory rate, temperature, BP and contractions) and foetal condition(s) (heart-rate). In addition, data collection comparable to the partograph used by clinicians/midwives. Lastly, we aim at data transmission with encrypted code over an IoT infrastructure like the “Electron small cellular IoT board” or LoRaWAN to a tailor-made mobile app called Gestation Survey (GS) accessible by midwives, medical officers, registrars and consultants for their respective attention and performance on the client.

The proposed solution achieves compliance to the SDGs target that by 2030, no country should have an MMR greater than 140

To reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Sub-Saharan Africa which is much higher than the acceptable global average of 12 per 100,000 live births.

Solution proposed is to prototype a wearable device like a belly band, impregnated with sensors for data collection on 3 parameters namely, amplitude, frequency and duration to inform medics or maternity ward attendants on labour progression. The wearable device uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology and to be sustainable, with minimal maintenance costs, it is designed to scavenge energy from the environment.

--By 2030, African countries should reduce their MMR to at most 100 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

  --Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” in the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda through 2030

Unlike our solution, the currently, the CardioTocoGraph (CTG) is used and has two transducers strategically placed on the abdomen recording both the foetal heart rate and the contractions, then translates these onto a graphical recording.

1.It does not measure the intensity (A); only frequency (f) and duration of contractions (t);

2.It limits mobility, critical in labour;

3. Costly and therefore limited supply and capabilities.

In resource constrained clinics, contractions are measured manually by placing a hand over an appropriate location overlying the gravid abdomen, and assessing the number, duration and intensity of contractions in  every 10 minutes.

The proposed device measure duration of contraction which is not possible with known and commercially available FHR devices like the CTG. The capability to measure duration is useful for the accurate understanding of labour progression which is critical in preventing maternal death during labour complications.

The proposed solution is powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology and in part AI.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.co...

Summary

Chapter sixteen, Novel wearable sensors for body area network applications , by Chomora Mikeka and Hiroyuki Arai from Yokohama National University, Japan, describes a novel wearable waveguide: a flexible interface for body‐centric wireless communications, capable of concentrating wireless communication within the so‐called smart suit; made of flexible, lightweight, conductive fabric: the SC8100 textile. A typical sensing and wireless data transmission design example is also presented.

Runkle, Jennifer et al. “Use of wearable sensors for pregnancy health
and environmental monitoring: Descriptive findings from the perspective
of patients and providers.” Digital health vol. 5 2055207619828220. 6 Feb. 2019, doi:10.1177/2055207619828220

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Background

Wearable sensors and other smart technology may be especially beneficial in providing remote monitoring of sub-clinical changes in pregnancy health status. Yet, limited research has examined perceptions among pregnant patients and providers in incorporating smart technology into their daily routine and clinical practice.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of pregnant women and their providers at a rural health clinic on the use of wearable technology to monitor health and environmental exposures during pregnancy.

Number of deliveries is high every day, and over 90% use hand to monitor labour progression and often miss the delivery timing thereby causing premature birth or maternal death. Opinions of most midwives have been that if saved with the device, use would be automatic and MMR would drastically reduce.

1,500 midwives.

To scale up, nationally and be able to record a reduction of MMR from 576 to 350.

Funding to test and mass produce the prototype design. Also funding for ethical clearance, clinical trials and IP protection.

By bidding in various funding opportunities like this one.

3 persons, all part-time.

We have delivered a similar solution for covid-19 response to develop a CPAP and ventilator design after winning a Research England Grant in partnership with the University of Leicester. We are also exploiting the UCL-Ventura Open Source CPAP design. We do all fabrication in our FabLab using 3D printer and CNC machine for milling and lathing to achieve precision manufacturing.

Universities mostly: University of Rwanda, University of Malawi, University of Strathclyde and University of Leicester. In addition, International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP).

There is need for assistance to be able to source crowd funding or other.

MIT faculty or initiatives, or Solve Members.

Women are our heart, and more so the child bearing age women. We need to support their labour to guarantee safe deliveries and a beautiful life ahead.

Health workers particularly those in maternity wards, tend to be stressed and in labour too, if not supported with right tools. Our solution would help them work better and distress thereby improving the quality of life for all of them.

Bill and Melinda already are supporting similar initiaves in Neno, Malawi where MMR used to be too high. By their efforts, MMR has reduced and health systems improved. Since, the emphasis of Bill and Melinda is also in IT systems, we feel best suited to benefit as we are the Champions of STIs in Africa, as described on this link: https://www.uneca.org/afsti-ag...