Smartphone technology is set to save Tanzanian newborns from jaundice
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA will benefit from a revolutionary technology that can detect jaundice in newborns using a smartphone, thanks to a joint initiative by Norway and the Netherlands
The innovation, known as ‘JaundiceCARE’, targets hospitals with limited resources, aiming to save millions of children from complications caused by jaundice.
The program enables doctors to screen newborns for jaundice using a smartphone in combination with a specialized card, offering a quick, safe, and non-invasive solution.
The project is being implemented by Picterus AS from Norway and GOAL 3 from the Netherlands, which jointly secured a grant of about 3bn/- to roll out the technology in Tanzania
It is part of the Eurostars program, a European initiative that funds innovative research and development projects led by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Tormod Thomsen, CEO of Picterus, highlighted the urgency of addressing jaundice, which affects 60 to 80 per cent of newborns worldwide.
“Jaundice is common and largely treatable when the right tools and knowledge are available. Unfortunately, many children and their families still suffer serious consequences. Through JaundiceCARE, we aim to change this,” he said.
Niek Versteegde, CEO of GOAL 3, emphasized that the program will prevent thousands of brain injuries and deaths caused by delayed or incorrect diagnoses, expressing optimism about the project’s impact.
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Dr Theopista Masege, President of the Pediatric Association of Tanzania, said the program will run for two years, following medical validation in local hospitals.
“Tanzania is proud to embrace this innovation. With Picterus’ non-invasive technology integrated with IMPALA monitoring, our newborns will receive safer care, healthcare workers will gain easy-to-use tools, and families will have peace of mind. This is the future of neonatal care we have been waiting for,” Dr Masege said.
