LOKUNG, LAMWO, UGANDA- Mary Aber, a 32-year-old mother of four, lives in the remote village of Kony Paco, Lokung in Lamwo district, Northern Uganda. Late in her pregnancy, Mary began experiencing unusual pain. She feared complications but had no way to confirm her baby’s condition. The uncertainty was overwhelming so she decided to seek health care. 

A life-saving solution

Mary decided to visit Lokung Health Centre III in Lokung, Lamwo district, Northern Uganda. Coincidentally, this facility had recently received a point-of-care ultrasound Scan (POCUS) machine through the MSCAN initiative. Mscan is a UNFPA-supported innovation through the Up Accelerate program that provides portable ultrasound technology and training to healthcare workers in underserved areas to improve maternal health outcomes through early detection of complications with a focus on rural regions and areas with limited access to healthcare. The primary goal is to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by enabling early detection of pregnancy-related complications and facilitating timely medical intervention.   

Initially, for years, accessing critical healthcare services like an ultrasound scan seemed impossible. The nearest health facilities equipped with such services like Padibe HCIV and Kitgum Government Hospital were hours away and required costly and exhausting travel that countless women living in under-served communities like Mary could not afford.

At the health centre, Mary was welcomed by Stella Awacango, a compassionate and skilled midwife at the health centre. The initiative includes training frontline health workers, especially midwives, in obstetrics ultrasound to ensure sustainable and effective use of the technology and Stella had been trained in the use of the POCUS machine. The midwife listened attentively to Mary’s concerns and recommended an ultrasound scan. 

A turning point 

With great care and expertise, Stella conducted the scan, guiding Mary through every step of the process. For Mary, the experience of undergoing an ultrasound was an entirely new experience. The results were clear and reassuring; Mary’s pregnancy was progressing normally and provided her with an accurate Estimated Due Date (EDD). More importantly, it dispelled the fears that had been weighing heavily on her mind. There were no immediate complications with her baby and the relief she felt was palpable.

Beyond providing peace of mind, the ultrasound also allowed Stella to document Mary’s medical history. This information was critical for planning Mary’s delivery and ensuring that she received the best possible care moving forward.

"When I first felt the sharp pain in my abdomen, panic set in. I rushed to the health center and the midwife quickly gave me a check up and recommended I get a scan. It was my first time being scanned, and without this service, I would have had no way to know if my unborn baby was safe," Mary said. 

"At first I had no idea what was wrong with me, but now I know I am going to be okay. I am so thankful to the ultrasound team for bringing this service to our health facility. Without them, I would never have known what was happening with my pregnancy. Now I am  forever grateful for the chance to ensure my baby’s health,” she says. 

Bridging the gap in maternal healthcare

Mary’s story is part of a larger effort to transform maternal healthcare in rural Uganda. The introduction of the POCUS machine is bridging the gap between limited healthcare access and the urgent needs of expectant mothers in underserved communities, especially in humanitarian settings. 

For women like Mary, this technology is more than a diagnostic tool—it’s a lifeline. Ultrasound scans are essential in identifying life-threatening complications such as ectopic pregnancies, fetal growth restrictions, and placental issues, which, if undiagnosed, can lead to dire outcomes for both mother and baby.

"When this POCUS machine arrived at our health centre, it marked a transformative moment for our entire community. This technology is revolutionizing maternal healthcare, bringing hope where there was once uncertainty. With this machine, we can detect complications early, provide precise information about pregnancies, and ensure timely interventions that save lives—one scan at a time," said midwife Awacango. 

A community-wide impact

Today, the POCUS service does more than save individual lives; it is strengthening healthcare systems in rural areas. Through its implementing Partner ACORD, UNFPA is empowering healthcare workers to provide high-quality care at the community level. This not only improves maternal health outcomes but also builds trust in local health facilities, encouraging more women to seek care during pregnancy.

Moreover, the availability of ultrasound services allows for better data collection and documentation, enabling healthcare providers to monitor trends, plan interventions, and allocate resources more effectively. The impact of this initiative extends far beyond Mary’s experience, offering hope and improved health outcomes for entire communities.

UNFPA’s MSCAN initiative reflects its commitment to achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including safe motherhood. Moreover, UNFPA is addressing deep-seated inequalities in healthcare access and ensuring that no woman is left behind. The initiative also contributes to global efforts to reduce maternal mortality and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

“For countless women like Mary, what was once an unattainable dream is now a reality. This ultrasound service through the POCUS initiative has truly transformed maternal healthcare in our community. Women no longer have to endure the uncertainty and fear that come with inaccessible healthcare. With this service, we can detect complications early, provide accurate information about pregnancies, and save lives,” says Midwife Stella Awacango

A new chapter for Mary

Thanks to the POCUS intervention, Mary now looks forward to her due date with hope and confidence. She knows that the care she received has given her and her baby the best chance for a safe delivery. For Mary, this moment represents a step toward equitable healthcare and the fulfilment of her right to safe motherhood. By making ultrasound services accessible in remote areas, Mscan aims to increase the utilization of antenatal care services, leading to better health outcomes for pregnant women and their babies. Now for Mary and many other mothers, the future now holds hope, dignity and the promise of a safer, healthier life.

Written by: Cinderella Anena