(ABYEI) – A primary health care facility in Abyei has recorded improvements in maternal and emergency care following the introduction of an ultrasound machine supported through a European Union funded humanitarian health project.
Before the arrival of the equipment, health workers at the facility relied mainly on clinical experience and physical examination to assess pregnancy related complications. Staff often had limited visibility of internal conditions, which affected early detection and decision making in critical cases.
Health workers say the introduction of ultrasound imaging has changed how maternal cases are managed at the facility, allowing faster diagnosis and more accurate referral decisions for complicated pregnancies and emergency conditions.
According to Dr Wol, a medical practitioner at the facility, the machine has already contributed to saving lives by improving the speed and accuracy of clinical assessments.
He explained that in one case a pregnant woman arrived with abdominal pain and the scan revealed a breech presentation. This allowed health workers to refer her immediately for a caesarean section, resulting in a successful delivery. He noted that without the equipment, the outcome could have been more complicated or risky.
In another case, a young patient presented with pain and was later diagnosed through ultrasound with a stillbirth. The diagnosis enabled rapid referral for further medical care, which staff say helped prevent a potentially life threatening delay in treatment.
Dr Wol added that such cases are now part of routine experience at the facility, with hundreds of similar situations managed since the introduction of the machine.
He further stated that before the availability of ultrasound imaging, early detection of complications was difficult, which increased risks for both mothers and unborn children. He said the new equipment has reduced such risks and improved overall care delivery.
Health staff also report that the introduction of the technology has increased patient confidence in the facility. More expectant mothers are now seeking care earlier and showing greater trust in medical advice and referrals.
Beyond clinical outcomes, the improvement is also affecting service perception, with health workers noting stronger engagement between patients and staff during antenatal visits and emergency cases.
The European Union stated in a press release that the intervention is part of wider efforts to strengthen primary health services in underserved areas through targeted equipment support and capacity building initiatives.