Training in developing countries

Ultrasound examination plays an important role in the improvement of pregnancy outcome both for the mother and the baby. Unfortunately this technology is at present confined to developed countries or the well off of the population in some developing countries.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization more than half a million women die every year in the world as a result of a complication related to pregnancy or delivery. More than 99% of these deaths are in underdeveloped or developing countries.

The Look for Life campaign by the Fetal Medicine Foundation aims to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality in underdeveloped and developing countries through training of local healthcare providers in the use of ultrasound and the creation of fetal medicine centres to improve the care of pregnant women.