Honduras continues to face high maternal mortality rates, particularly in remote and resource-limited regions. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted access to family planning and maternal healthcare, nearly doubling the maternal mortality rate from 61 to 125 deaths per 100,000 live births.
To address this, the Honduran Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Delft Imaging, launched a pilot project to implement BabyChecker. This initiative, discussed during the recent BabyChecker webinar, Frontline Perspectives on BabyChecker: Field Experience and Insights, aims to strengthen prenatal care delivery through accessible, community-based technologies.
Local solutions for local challenges
The BabyChecker pilot began in October 2024 with five devices distributed across public hospitals and rural clinics—including locations in Intibucá, Choluteca, and La Paz, areas home to Lenca, Garífuna, and Miskito communities. Around 400 pregnant women participated in the initial evaluation.
Despite lacking internet or stable electricity in many locations, health assistants and volunteers were quickly trained to use BabyChecker. The solution was used to estimate gestational age, detect multiple pregnancies, determine fetal position, and identify early warning signs—enabling timely referrals to higher-level care.
“The training required is very basic—anyone with short and focused training can use it. The information these scans provide is highly valuable.”
Cultural acceptance and broader reach
Dr. Velásquez Orellana emphasized BabyChecker’s role in improving healthcare access among indigenous populations. “Many indigenous women prefer being examined by community members rather than medical professionals, due to cultural reasons. BabyChecker helps bridge that gap, bringing prenatal technology closer to these communities.”
He concluded with a powerful reminder of the broader mission: “These women are often humble, face multiple risk factors, and our mission is to protect their lives. BabyChecker is a tool that supports that mission by helping reduce maternal mortality.”