The Connecticut-based Butterfly Network will be providing over 1,000 healthcare workers with a Butterfly IQ+ system, an ultrasound device, using funds donated by the Gates Foundation. As pregnancy complications have been rising in the Sub-Saharan Africa, this technology is essential prenatal healthcare, and will assist in decreasing mortality rates. Sub Saharan African practitioners and healthcare have less access to imaging technology, and this will provide much needed access to healthcare.
Analysis: Because mortality rates are higher in this region, it is helpful and inspiring to see new technology being provided to increase access to prenatal healthcare. This should hopefully allow many women to receive pregnancy care and be able to peacefully deliver their children. Decreasing mortality rates is always really good to see. In a period where most spending in Sub-Saharan Africa is coming from China, it is interesting to see US organizations donating large amounts. Recently pressure has come on America about this after reports were published saying that Chinas spending dwarfed the West/ m
How does this relate to IR:international development is a big factor in international relations and providing sources for development is beneficial for less developed countries in things like healthcare, infrastructure and economy.