The Sound of Hope: A Portable Ultrasound Brings Vital Care to West Bank’s Most Vulnerable

Pregnancy should be a time of joy, the promise of a happy future. In Al-Majd village in southern West Bank, pregnancy has long been a source of stress and fears for expectant mothers. Without easy access to medical check-ups, Ibtisam, a 42-year-old mother from Al-Majd, told us that “pregnancy had become a nightmare instead of the beautiful time women dream of”.

For years, women across the West Bank have faced serious challenges during pregnancy, struggling to access essential health care, particularly maternal newborn and child health services. Local clinics lacked the necessary equipment, forcing women to seek expensive private care and endure long, difficult journeys to receive what should be basic maternal and foetal health care. Following the events of 7 October 2023, the situation has worsened significantly. New checkpoints, escalating violence, and a deepening economic crisis left many unable to afford or access care, causing widespread fear and anxiety for the health of their unborn babies.  

In April 2024, the arrival of a small box, barely bigger than a laptop, has brought a dramatic change to the village. Through our emergency response, World Vision has equipped the local clinic with a basic but essential device – a portable ultrasound machine – and other obstetric materials. For the village’s pregnant women, regular check-ups – once a luxury – are now a reality. This machine enables the early detection of complications, allowing for timely, often life-saving, interventions. Frequent visits also provide women with crucial information on nutrition, danger signs, and early stimulation, empowering them to give their children the best start in life. “The portable ultrasound spares [women] long trips to Dura or Hebron [and reassures them with improved local care]”, said Dr Muntaser, the village’s resident doctor.

“With my first child, medical check-ups were always very difficult, but now, in my ninth month of pregnancy, I feel safe monitoring my condition in my village.” – Ibtisam, 42-year-old mother of two, Al-Majd, West Bank

The arrival of the ultrasound machine has not only benefitted pregnant women in Al-Majd, but it has also expanded care to other nearby villages. At least five clinics in the broader region now refer patients to Al-Majd Clinic, providing vital services to dozens of pregnant women. The machine also helps monitor other health issues, improving care for other vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions. This single piece of equipment has bridged gaps in health care, bringing hope, health, and dignity to the entire community, demonstrating the power of compassion and solidarity even in the most challenging circumstances.

Improving access to quality maternal and child health care in local clinics has been a priority for World Vision’s emergency response to the Middle East Crisis in the West Bank. In just 10 months, with the financial support of Aktion Deutschland Hilft (Germany), the Humanitarian Coalition (Canada), World Vision Canada and World Vision United States,we have rehabilitated and/or equipped 39 health clinics, directly benefitting more than 20,000 people with close to US$600,000 in essential materials, including eight mobile ultrasound machines. In the coming months, we will distribute 18 more ultrasound machines and additional emergency obstetric care supplies to clinics in vulnerable communities. As the need grows, World Vision has already supported over 155 villages. Your support can help us reach even more families with basic health care essentials.