Ultrasound technology plays a critical role in ensuring accurate diagnoses, preventing complications, and improving pregnancy outcomes. Unfortunately, access to ultrasound services in The Gambia is limited, particularly in rural areas. Many women are forced to travel more than 100 kilometers to receive even a basic ultrasound scan, while others may go through their entire pregnancies without any scans at all.
The World Health Organization recognizes ultrasound as an essential service for improving maternal and pregnancy care. In response to this need, the Government of The Gambia, with funding from UNFPA, has launched a six month training program designed to equip midwives with the skills necessary to perform basic ultrasounds during pregnancy. The program aims to train 12 midwives, who will be divided into three groups of four. Each group will undergo two months of hands on apprenticeship training, followed by a one month internship at a designated hospital. Over 300 antenatal women have been screened free of charge so far.
Mrs. Fatou Konta, a trained midwife and head of the maternity ward at the Brikama District Hospital, emphasizes the importance of ultrasound for pregnant women.
"Given the large number of women of reproductive age, I believe it is crucial for pregnant women to have access to ultrasound scans. It allows them to monitor the progress of their pregnancy and detect any abnormalities early, ensuring timely medical intervention. Gone are the days when a woman would go through nine months of pregnancy without a single scan."
Reflecting on her own experience, Mrs. Konta describes the impact of the training.
"The training has been incredibly insightful. We started with a one-week theoretical session and have now begun the practical apprenticeship. Before this, ultrasound scans in our labor ward were performed by doctors, while midwives would only observe. The doctors would later explain the procedure, but we had no real understanding of what was happening. Now, after just three days of training, I am able to determine how many babies are present and assess whether a baby is in a good position, such as cephalic or breech."
The need for standardized ultrasound training in The Gambia is more urgent than ever. It is essential to have more competent and skilled sonographers, particularly in rural areas, to improve access to ultrasound services. This will help enhance pregnancy outcomes and prevent maternal complications.
As the program progresses, the training of midwives is expected to play a crucial role in expanding access to vital ultrasound services across The Gambia, ultimately improving the quality of care for pregnant women and their babies.
Media contact: Malick Saine, Communications Associate (saine@unfpa.org)
