New York, 02 October 2026 – The Government of Zambia, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) have committed to expanding access to ultrasound devices and strengthening maternal health services in Zambia over the next three years, a significant step towards earlier detection of pregnancy complications and safer births for women in underserved communities.
The initiative will equip frontline health providers with handheld ultrasound devices and the skills to use them, aiming to reach close to 50,000 women across 78 health facilities in three high-burden districts of Zambia's Eastern Province: Katete, Petauke and Sinda.
“Every woman should have the chance for a healthy pregnancy and a safe birth, and every baby should have the healthiest possible start in life,” said Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA. “Portable ultrasound technology can help trained midwives identify pregnancy complications early and ensure timely interventions. By bringing this technology closer to women, including in rural and underserved communities, this partnership is turning innovation into healthier pregnancies, safer births and healthier mothers and babies.”
Zambia has made progress in improving maternal health, but preventable maternal deaths remain a significant challenge, with 187 deaths per 100,000 live births compared with the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 by 2030. While national guidelines recommend an ultrasound scan before 24 weeks of pregnancy, access remains limited, particularly in rural areas. Bringing portable ultrasound to primary health facilities can help health workers identify complications such as breech presentation, multiple pregnancies and placenta previa earlier, allowing women with high-risk pregnancies to be referred for appropriate care before complications become emergencies.
Through this partnership, the initiative will:
- Train 156 nurses, midwives and clinical officers to provide Point-of-Care Ultrasound services.
- Engage 800 community health workers to raise awareness of antenatal care and ultrasound services and encourage greater uptake.
- Strengthen referral systems so that women with high-risk pregnancies receive timely and appropriate care.
- Generate evidence on the clinical and operational impact of PoCUS to inform potential nationwide expansion.
- Support government partners in developing policy frameworks and sustainable financing models for integrating PoCUS into Zambia's health system.
"Maternal health care is fundamental to Zambia's development. By integrating point-of-care ultrasound into rural primary health centres and mobile clinics, frontline midwives and community health workers will be able to catch obstetric emergencies early and make timely, life-saving referrals," said Prof. Roma Chilengi, Minister of Health of Zambia.
“BADEA is proud to support this important initiative, which brings innovative healthcare solutions closer to women in underserved communities and strengthens the capacity of frontline health workers. Through our partnership with the Government of Zambia and UNFPA, we are committed to advancing maternal health and supporting more inclusive, resilient and sustainable health systems across Africa,” said H.E. Mr. Abdullah KH Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA.
Funded by BADEA and implemented by UNFPA Zambia in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the initiative builds on UNFPA's long-standing collaboration with the Government of Zambia. The partnership was facilitated by WomenX, UNFPA's innovation accelerator programme.
The Letter of Understanding was signed at UNFPA Headquarters in New York by Diene Keita, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNFPA, and H.E. Mr. Abdullah KH Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA, in the presence of Prof. Roma Chilengi, Minister of Health of Zambia. The Honourable Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning of Zambia, will sign on behalf of the Government of Zambia.
About UNFPA:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, working to uphold the rights and choices of women, girls and young people across more than 150 countries and territories. It reaches millions of women, girls and young people with essential health services, protection from violence, and with vital information about their bodies and rights. It also helps governments plan for changing population needs so people can thrive today and in the future, regardless of fertility trends.
About the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA):
BADEA is a rated multilateral development finance institution owned by 18 sovereign states, members of the League of Arab States, and began operations in March 1975. The Bank's mission is to promote social and economic development exclusively in sub-Saharan Africa and foster cooperation between the Arab and African regions through investment and trade.
Media inquiries:
UNFPA: media@unfpa.org
BADEA: badea@badea.org
