Find out more about the PLuS Alliance on its website. The PLuS Alliance Prize awards $50,000 USD to globally-significant innovation in research and education which makes a direct and positive impact on communities. Professor Andrew Shennan’s research has since been nominated for this year’s PLuS Alliance Prize, due to be announced at the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit, in September. One company plans to use the device in Kenya, Bangladesh, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Ghana. More than 5,000 devices have been ordered from a dozen organisations including the UK Military of Defence. It is now in use in seven countries in Africa and Asia in maternity, intensive care and community settings. Further trials are taking place in South Africa, Mozambique, Pakistan, Haiti India and Nigeria. The Microlife VSA was initially trialled in Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia. ![]() The device costs less than £12 and the lithium battery can easily be charged with USB phone chargers to last for over 200 uses. It requires minimal training and has a traffic light system that clearly indicates risk. The accurate device is the first such device to achieve World Health Organisation standards for use in under-resourced settings. We’re confident that by using the device, we can cut maternal mortality by at least 25 per cent.’ The Microlife VSA will prevent deaths by detecting the signs early. Professor Andrew Shennan, Consultant Obstetrician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and Professor of Obstetrics at King’s College London, said: ‘In many developing countries, medical expertise is limited so people simply do not recognise the signs of danger until it is too late. High blood pressure in pregnancy can indicate pre-eclampsia, a potentially deadly condition for both mother and baby. It is designed for use in developing countries, where 99% of all worldwide maternal deaths occur. ![]() The hand-held device measures blood pressure and pulse to calculate the impending risk of shock. The project was also awarded the Newton Prize worth £200,000 at an event in New Delhi today in November. Researchers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London have developed the Microlife Vital Signs Alert (VSA) with a $1 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Professor Andrew Shennan, consultant obstetrician at Guy’s and Thomas’ and Professor of Obstetrics at King’s College London We’re confident that by using the device, we can cut maternal mortality by at least 25%. ![]()
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