Remote Ultrasound Services: What’s Available in Africa?

Bringing life-saving scans closer to the communities that need them most.

Ultrasound is one of the most important tools in modern maternal and fetal care—helping detect high-risk pregnancies, monitor fetal development, and guide emergency interventions. Yet, in many parts of Africa, especially rural and underserved areas, access to skilled sonographers and ultrasound machines is limited or nonexistent.

Thankfully, new models of remote ultrasound—combining mobile technology, portable devices, and telemedicine—are changing the game.

🔍 What Is Remote Ultrasound?

Remote (or tele-ultrasound) services allow scans to be performed in one location and interpreted by an expert remotely. This is made possible through mobile ultrasound devices, digital imaging platforms, and cloud-based or SMS-based communication.

📱 What Types of Remote Ultrasound Solutions Are Available?

1. Portable Ultrasound Devices (e.g., Butterfly iQ, Philips Lumify)

These hand-held scanners connect to smartphones or tablets and can be used by trained midwives or nurses. Images are uploaded in real-time or stored for remote review.

• Use Case: Antenatal care visits in rural Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria.
• Cost: $2,000–$5,000 (significantly cheaper than traditional machines).

🔗 butterflynetwork.com

2. AI-Guided Ultrasound Platforms

Some tools now include artificial intelligence that helps non-specialists perform basic scans. The AI gives real-time guidance and checks image quality.

• Example: Health4TheWorld AI tool piloted in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Advantage: Helps scale maternal imaging even in facilities without radiologists.

3. Tele-interpretation Hubs

Midwives or nurses perform scans and send them via mobile data or SMS to specialists in city hospitals. This model is supported by government networks or NGO-backed initiatives.

• Projects: Uganda’s mScan, Zambia’s Remote Radiology Initiative, and Nigeria’s LifeBank ScanMobile.

🔗 lifebank.ng

4. Ultrasound-on-Wheels: Mobile Scan Clinics

NGOs and health ministries deploy vans or motorbikes equipped with portable ultrasound devices to remote villages.

• Who runs them: Riders for Health, AMREF, LifeNet International.
• Benefits: Reaches women who otherwise travel hours for a scan.

5. Drone-Delivered Devices + Scan Uploads

Though still in pilot phases, countries like Rwanda and Ghana are exploring drone delivery of imaging kits to hard-to-reach areas—paired with remote interpretation through national eHealth platforms.

👩🏿‍⚕️ Why Remote Ultrasound Matters in MNCH

• Early Detection: Helps diagnose placenta previa, twins, breech, and fetal anomalies.
• Safe Referrals: Ensures high-risk pregnancies are identified and referred early.
• Better Outcomes: Reduces stillbirths, maternal deaths, and emergency complications.

⚠️ Challenges to Scale

• Internet & Power Gaps: Many rural clinics lack connectivity or stable electricity.
• Training Gaps: Community health workers need consistent sonography training.
• Cost Barriers: Though more affordable than full hospital units, portable devices still require funding.

🌍 Programs Leading the Way in Africa

• MomConnect + mHealth Imaging Integrations (South Africa)
• AFROST Initiative (East Africa)
• WHO’s Tele-Imaging Guidelines for LMICs (Global)
• UNICEF AI-Driven Prenatal Scan Projects (Mozambique)

💡 Final Thoughts

Remote ultrasound is no longer a futuristic idea—it’s a growing solution saving lives today across Africa. With the right partnerships, training, and infrastructure support, every pregnant woman—no matter how remote her location—can access vital imaging care.

📲 Want to bring remote ultrasound to your clinic or program?
Visit DoctorsExplain.org to connect with MNCH digital health experts.