Sanguina has been selected as one of six grand prize winners in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) RADx Tech for Maternal Health Challenge, receiving a $525,000 award. From over 80 initial submissions, our AnemoCheck Mobile technology stood out for its innovative approach to postpartum healthcare in areas with limited access to maternity care. This recognition validates our mission to revolutionize how mothers monitor their health throughout pregnancy.
The Challenge and Our Solution
Maternal health monitoring in the United States faces a critical challenge: most pregnancy-related complications occur during the postpartum period—up to one year after delivery—yet many mothers lack easy access to regular health monitoring. This is especially prevalent in "maternity care deserts," where access to maternal health services is limited or non-existent. Recent studies show that over 5 million women of childbearing age live in counties with limited or no access to maternity care services, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions.
AnemoCheck Mobile transforms smartphones into powerful health monitoring tools by estimating the likelihood of iron deficiency through a simple nail bed photo. This breakthrough technology represents a significant advancement in maternal health monitoring, particularly for those in underserved communities. The app's intuitive design ensures users can easily track their health status without medical training or complex equipment.
This innovation eliminates the need for needles, specialized equipment, or in-person clinic visits—particularly crucial since anemia affects up to 50% of women after giving birth and can lead to serious complications if left undetected. Common symptoms of postpartum anemia include fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath, which can significantly impact a mother's ability to care for herself and her newborn. Through early detection and monitoring, AnemoCheck Mobile helps mothers take proactive steps in managing their health.
"A large focus of the RADx Tech Maternal Health Challenge was accessibility," notes our CEO, Erika Tyburski. "NIH took a very pragmatic approach with us throughout to ensure we didn't design something that someone wouldn't use or didn't know how to use."
Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Impact
This NIH recognition marks a significant milestone in Sanguina's commitment to maternal health. "The award allows Sanguina to keep pushing on our mission for the most accessible products to learn about health," shares Tyburski. The grant will support our ongoing efforts to enhance the app's capabilities and reach more communities in need.
We believe every mother deserves access to vital health information, regardless of location or healthcare facility access. As we continue developing our technology, we're working to expand our capabilities to create an even more comprehensive support system for mothers during the critical postpartum period. Our goal is to ensure that quality healthcare monitoring remains accessible to all mothers, particularly in underserved communities where traditional medical resources may be limited.
The impact of accessible health monitoring extends beyond individual mothers—it strengthens entire communities. When mothers have the tools to monitor their health effectively, they're better equipped to care for themselves and their families. This empowerment creates a ripple effect, promoting healthier communities and better outcomes for future generations.
We're grateful to our users, whose valuable feedback has helped shape our technology into what it is today. Their insights and experiences continue to drive our innovation and fuel our commitment to improving maternal health monitoring. Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest developments and join our growing community of health-conscious individuals.
Ready to join us? Download the AnemoCheck Mobile app today from the App Store or Google Play Store, and be part of the future of maternal health monitoring.
