Sophie Mukasa

Ugandan inventor creating low-cost medical devices for rural healthcare

Sophie Mukasa's 2021 invention of the 'Mobile Ultrasound Kit' has revolutionized prenatal care across Africa. This portable, solar-powered device costs $200 compared to traditional machines costing $20,000. By 2024, over 150,000 expectant mothers in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have received life-saving scans using her technology.

A biomedical engineer from Makerere University, she developed the device while interning at Mulago Hospital where she saw 40% of maternal deaths due to undiagnosed complications. Her company MediPod Innovations now employs 30+ engineers and has created additional tools including:

• 《Smart Thermometer》 for early malaria detection ($5/unit)
• 《Blood Bank Locator》 mobile app (used in 8 African countries)

In 2023 she partnered with UNICEF to launch the 'Girls in Engineering' initiative, training 2,000+ young women in STEM. Her TED Talk "Healthcare Innovation on a Shoestring" has 3.2M views. The documentary 《The Engineer of Hope》 (2024) details her journey. Read her UN interview here.