Expanding Life-Saving Ultrasound Access: BAMA Selected as 2026 MedMissions Awardee
We are proud to share an exciting milestone: Babies and Mothers Alive (BAMA) has been selected as one of five global recipients of the 2026 MedMissions Award by the Inteleos Foundation.
This recognition places BAMA among a powerful cohort of organisations working to transform maternal and newborn health through one critical, yet often missing tool: ultrasound access.
Why This Matters
Around the world, billions of people still lack access to basic medical imaging — a gap that has devastating consequences for mothers and babies.
In many low-resource settings, complications during pregnancy go undetected until it is too late. But with timely ultrasound screening, high-risk pregnancies can be identified early, referrals can happen faster, and lives can be saved.
This is exactly what the MedMissions Award aims to change.
A Global Effort, Rooted in Local Leadership
Now in its eighth year, the MedMissions Award supports locally-led, high-impact interventions that expand access to point-of-care ultrasound.
The 2026 cohort spans five countries across Sub-Saharan Africa:
GAIA Global Health (Malawi)
Seed Global Health (Sierra Leone)
Kenyatta University (Kenya)
Babies and Mothers Alive (Uganda)
Muso (Côte d’Ivoire)
Together, these partners will form a consortium working alongside Ministries of Health to strengthen frontline care, train health workers, and improve referral systems.
What This Means for BAMA
For BAMA, this award is an opportunity to take a significant next step in strengthening maternal care in Uganda.
In the Greater Masaka region, we will:
Integrate point-of-care ultrasound into routine antenatal care
Equip frontline health workers with training and tools to detect complications early
Strengthen referral pathways for high-risk pregnancies
Improve overall quality of obstetric care in public health facilities
This builds directly on BAMA’s systems-based approach—working hand-in-hand with government health facilities, midwives, and community health workers to address the “three delays” that drive maternal and newborn deaths.
From Technology to Impact
Ultrasound is not just a device—it’s a decision-making tool.
With the right training and integration into the health system, it enables:
Earlier detection of complications
Faster, more informed referrals
Better preparation at receiving facilities
Increased trust in the healthcare system
The MedMissions model goes beyond equipment. It includes training, technical support, and long-term system integration, ensuring sustainable impact rather than one-off interventions.
Looking Ahead
This award is more than recognition—it is a catalyst.
By combining local leadership, global partnerships, and evidence-based approaches, this initiative aims to generate scalable models that can influence national policy and strengthen health systems long-term.
For BAMA, it reinforces what we believe at our core: The solutions to maternal and newborn health challenges already exist within communities — our role is to strengthen systems, equip frontline providers, and unlock their full potential.
A Shared Commitment
We are honored to stand alongside this year’s MedMissions partners and grateful to the Inteleos Foundation for investing in locally-led solutions.
Because every mother deserves access to safe, timely, and quality care—no matter where she lives.
Please find the full article here: https://inteleosfoundation.org/2026medmissionsawardees
