Butterfly Network Launches First-to-Market Artificial Intelligence Gestational Age Tool in Sub-Saharan Africa to Improve Maternal Health

Core Insights - Butterfly Network has launched an AI-powered Gestational Age tool in Malawi and Uganda to enhance maternal and fetal health through improved access to ultrasound technology [1][4] - The tool allows lower-skilled healthcare workers to estimate gestational age quickly and accurately without requiring image interpretation or extensive training [4][5] - The initiative is part of Butterfly's broader commitment to advancing maternal health in under-resourced settings, supported by the Gates Foundation and developed in collaboration with the University of North Carolina [4][5] AI-Enabled Gestational Age Tool - The AI tool addresses the critical need for affordable ultrasound technology in low-resource settings, where 92% of maternal and neonatal mortality occurs in low- and middle-income countries [2] - It enables midwives and other healthcare providers to deliver timely care by determining the appropriate gestational age for necessary medical interventions [4] Milestone Achievements - Butterfly Network has successfully deployed 1,000 handheld ultrasound probes and trained over 1,050 healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan Africa from September 2022 to December 2024 [6] - As of July 2025, 1.8 million scans have been conducted, averaging 83,000 scans monthly, demonstrating significant integration of obstetrical ultrasound services in over 697 public health facilities [6] Positive Impact on Maternal Health - Preliminary data from Kenya indicates a significant increase in women seeking antenatal care before 24 weeks, with over 90% patient satisfaction reported [9] - In South Africa, there has been a notable reduction in stillbirths and maternal mortality, with 873 appropriate referrals made for higher-level care [10][11] - The average scan time for providers has been reduced to 1.3 minutes, with a high confidence level in detecting key maternal conditions post-training [12] Technological Advancements - The latest Butterfly device, iQ3, has been approved for use in South Africa and Kenya, enhancing the quality and accessibility of POCUS [7] - Butterfly's innovations have received multiple accolades, including the Best Medical Technology at the 2024 Prix Galien USA Awards, highlighting the company's commitment to advancing healthcare technology [14]