Towards its efforts in contributing to global goals of zero maternal and neonatal deaths by 2030, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a non-governmental organization founded by Mrs. Toyin Saraki, in partnership with the Nigerian division of the global medical technology innovator, General Electric, GE, on Monday April 17, commenced a two-day training for midwives in Lagos on the use of V-Scan portable hand-held ultrasound machines.
The training followed the Foundation’s donation of eight V-Scans to healthcare facilities in Lagos, Abuja and others.
The V-Scan is a tech tool that can help midwives identify potential pregnancy complications early on, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Mrs. Saraki, in her address said: “We are proud to announce that we have donated 8 V-Scans to healthcare facilities in Lagos, Abuja, and Kwara, where they will be put to use by midwives who have been trained on how to use them.
“The deployment of high-tech portable ultrasound machines will contribute to the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s progressive antenatal intrapartum and postnatal care parthway; a community health-centred offering that daily commits to the early and subsequent diagnosis of women and neonates to minimize adverse antenatal intrapartum and postnatal complications.”
Also, State Team Lead, Lagos State Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Dr Tonade Ayomide said: “Two weeks ago, we held the first-ever training program for midwives on the use of the V-Scan portable hand-held ultrasound machine in Abuja. The training program was a resounding success, attended by midwives from various healthcare facilities in the FCT.
“Today, we are in Lagos, continuing our efforts to empower midwives with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality obstetric care.”
Similarly, Clinical Applications Specialist, GE Gospel Johnson, declared that midwives and nurses at the training would be given all the competencies they need on the use of V-Scan portable hand-held ultrasound machines.
“Nurses and midwives have first contact when it comes to pregnant women. So, if we train them on how to use any scan machine, they will be able to detect diseases or health conditions of a pregnant woman before complications set in,” he said.
While calling on Nigerians to explore the opportunities in investment in partnering with GE, the Foundation’s Finance and Endowment Accountant, Mr. Peter Olabode, said the investment in V-Scans cost $72,000 with a capitalized training investment cost of $13,000.