Project: AI-Assisted Handheld Obstetric Ultrasound by Non-Experts

Funder: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Led by: NAAMII with partners in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Nepal

Primary Uganda Partners: Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University and Kawempe

National Referral Hospital (KNRH)

Multi-Country Handheld Obstetric Ultrasound Project Monitoring Mission

From June 13–20, NAAMII team conducted a comprehensive progress review mission to Uganda as part of our ongoing Gates Foundation-funded handheld obstetric ultrasound project. The six-day visit focused on assessing data collection workflows, strengthening partnerships with local collaborators, and ensuring project milestones are being met across our multi-country implementation.

Operational Assessment and Partnership Review

Our team, comprising Dr. Bishesh Khanal, Dr. Pradeep Regmi, Dr. Prajwal Dhakal, Udit Aryal, Ranjana Koirala, and Suchi Gupta, conducted detailed operational reviews with established partners at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University and Kawempe National Referral Hospital (KNRH). At KNRH, which processes nearly 30,000 deliveries annually, the team evaluated current ultrasound collection protocols and assessed data quality standards being maintained at the site.

Cross-Country Progress Coordination

The mission included comprehensive progress reviews across all active sites – Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Nepal. Cross-country coordination sessions addressed operational challenges including device usability, training effectiveness, and data transfer processes. Notable progress was observed in protocol standardization, with sites like Kenya demonstrating effective implementation of Standard Operating Procedure visual aids that have improved both operator confidence and participant experience.

Technical Workflow Optimization

Site assessments identified several areas for workflow enhancement, including connectivity improvements for real-time data uploads and standardization of scanning protocols across expert and non-expert operators. The team worked closely with IDI's technical staff to address existing bottlenecks and establish more efficient data collection pipelines.

Project Status and Next Steps

Current metrics indicate steady progress across all participating countries, with data collection proceeding according to established timelines. The Uganda site continues to demonstrate strong institutional capacity and maintains high data quality standards, confirming the robustness of our implementation framework. Regular monitoring visits like this ensure consistent project delivery and enable rapid identification and resolution of operational challenges across our multi-country partnership network.

TOGAI Team Conducts Site Visit in Uganda