In many low-income countries such as Bangladesh, the majority of deliveries are performed at home by a traditional birth attendant (TBA). These TBAs may or may not be properly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH), which is frequently the leading cause of maternal death.

Detailed description of the solution

The Quaiyum Blood Mat is an absorbent mat to be placed under a woman during delivery that can absorb up to 500mL of blood. Blood travels across the mat at a constant velocity, allowing the TBA to visually evaluate blood loss. When the mat is saturated at 500mL, it will start to leak, which signals PPH.

Designed by

• Designed by: Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Quaiyum, Chairman of the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Technology at the University of Dhaka in Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Manufacturer location: The device was developed at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research in Bangladesh (ICDDR,B).

Funding Source

Dr. Quaiyum is affiliated with the ICDDR,B in Bangladesh and received a grant from the Gates Grand Challenges competition in 2010.

References