SOIK Partners with UNFPA DRC to Strengthen Maternal Health Care through Digital Innovation in Conflict-Affected Areas

SOIK Corporation, in collaboration with UNFPA (the United Nations Population Fund), is implementing a maternal health project in Goma, North Kivu Province, and Bunia, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), through the introduction of the Digital Transformation Platform for Maternal and Child Health, SPAQ.

Supported by the Government of Japan, this initiative enables midwives in conflict-affected areas to conduct high-quality maternal checkups using smartphones and portable ultrasound devices, while also strengthening their clinical skills and capacity on the ground.

A training session for midwives held in Goma was attended by Ms. Shoko Arakaki, Director of the Humanitarian Response Division at UNFPA, and Ms. Lydia Zigomo, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.Their visit and the project were featured in the official UNFPA article titled “In Goma, UNFPA and Japan Bring Innovation to Obstetric Care in Conflict Zones.”

© UNFPA RDC / Jonas Yunus

The article highlights how the introduction of SPAQ has made it possible for midwives to perform ultrasound examinations — once available only in urban hospitals with advanced equipment — even in remote and conflict-affected areas using smartphones.

Local midwives shared their experiences, saying:

“Previously, we did it based on estimations. With the portable ultrasound, I can see the child, reassure the mother, and anticipate complications. It’s a revolution for us on the ground.”

© UNFPA RDC / Jonas Yunus

SOIK remains committed to improving the quality of humanitarian and maternal health services through innovative technologies and global partnerships.