From Lab to Life: Developing a smarter pregnancy test for maternal health in low-resource settings

From Lab to Life: Developing a smarter pregnancy test for maternal health in low-resource settings

Every two minutes, a woman dies from pregnancy-related causes, and the vast majority of these deaths are preventable. In many low- and middle-income countries, pregnancy detection — the first step toward lifesaving antenatal care — remains out of reach due to cost, supply chain challenges, and harsh environmental conditions. This video highlights an innovative solution developed by Rhodes University Biotechnology Innovation Centre (RUBIC) in South Africa, with support from UNICEF Office of Innovation. The Smart Pregnancy Tests (SPTs) are low-cost, highly accurate, and designed to withstand extreme temperatures and humidity — making them ideal for rural and remote settings.