A groundbreaking initiative that combines advanced medical technology with machine learning and artificial intelligence is revolutionizing maternal and child healthcare in Zambia. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in collaboration with the University of Zambia School of Medicine, is spearheading this transformative project.

In Lusaka, Zambia, a mother was pleasantly surprised to learn she was expecting twins during an ultrasound at the Kamwala District Health Center. This discovery was crucial as it identified her as high risk, highlighting the significance of early detection in maternal care. The ultrasound was part of the Fetal Age Machine Learning Initiative (FAMLI), a study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation aimed at developing a “smart” ultrasound device to enhance healthcare outcomes for women and newborns globally.

Unlike in more developed regions where multiple ultrasounds are routine during pregnancy, Zambian women, especially those in rural areas, often lack access to this essential diagnostic tool. The absence of early ultrasound screenings can lead to complications during childbirth, underscoring the critical role ultrasound plays in managing pregnancies.

Dr. Jeffrey Stringer, a leading expert in global women’s health at UNC-Chapel Hill, emphasized the pivotal role of ultrasound in obstetrics, likening it to a stethoscope for obstetricians. The ultrasounds conducted as part of the FAMLI study go beyond standard procedures, involving sophisticated techniques like 3D imaging and biometry scans. These advanced screenings provide vital information such as accurate gestational age dating, growth monitoring, and identifying potential complications like breech presentation or multiple pregnancies.

Dr. Joni Price, a key figure in the FAMLI study, oversees operations in Zambia, where a diverse team of healthcare professionals and researchers collaborate to deliver high-quality ultrasound services. The ultimate goal of FAMLI is to develop a computer program capable of real-time diagnosis based on ultrasound images, coupled with a portable ultrasound probe. This innovation aims to bridge the gap in accessing essential obstetrical ultrasound services, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Zambia.

The impact of FAMLI extends beyond Zambia, attracting global talent like Enam Aidam from Ghana and Munguu Khuyag-Ochir from Mongolia, both pursuing master’s degrees in public health at UNC Gillings School. Their involvement in FAMLI underscores the program’s potential to empower healthcare providers worldwide with cutting-edge diagnostic tools and technologies.

Dr. Alan Rosenbaum, a Global Women’s Health fellow at UNC, highlighted the transformative potential of FAMLI in reducing maternal mortality rates globally. The initiative not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also holds promise for long-term improvements in maternal and child health outcomes.

The collaborative efforts between UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Zambia School of Medicine, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, exemplify a shared commitment to advancing healthcare equity and innovation. By harnessing the power of technology and research, initiatives like FAMLI are paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for women and children worldwide.