The Problem
No matter the continent or the community, health is a chief concern for most people. In Sub-Saharan Africa, rural communities are geographically and economically alienated from the medical resources they need. UTIs are a health issue that significantly impacts day-to-day life, and current screening and treatment options are not sufficient.
Sierra Leone currently has:
The highest infant morality rate
The 5th highest maternal mortality rate
UTIs
Urinary Tract Infections are the second most common type of infection in the world, and 50% of women will contract one in their lifetime. Complications of UTIs can cause serious health problems including:
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Kidney infections
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Kidney damage
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Premature birth
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Low birth weight
Barriers to Healthcare Access
Several factors hinder people’s ability to get healthcare in the developing world:
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Transportation to healthcare facilities is expensive
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Existing screening methods are unaffordable
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Results require the help of a trained medical professional to interpret