13-Jul-2019: NASG prevents Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH)

The Non-pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) is a low-cost first-aid device that limits persistent PPH. It’s a compression suit originally designed with technology from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) - or severe bleeding after childbirth - is the largest direct cause of maternal mortality worldwide, responsible for more than a quarter of the 300,000 estimated deaths each year. These women are dying from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, with 94 per cent occurring in low- and middle-income countries, in areas where the nearest health facility with comprehensive obstetric care may be hours away. Many of these deaths could be prevented with timely and effective maternal health care management and equipment.

At NASA, anti-gravity uniforms were developed to keep astronauts from blacking out during extreme acceleration by squeezing the arms and legs to push blood towards the head. This same technology was used to develop NASG where external pressure is applied to a woman’s lower body to drive blood upward.

NASG is lightweight, washable and reusable, with eight segments to wrap over the legs and abdominal region. It reduces blood flow to the uterus and treats hypovolemic shock while allowing health staff to repair sites where bleeding occurred.

A large evidence base indicates that NASG is effective in reducing maternal mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends it as a temporary measure until appropriate care is available (2012). NASG is included in the WHO, UNICEF, and United Nation’s Population Fund (UNFPA) interagency list of medical devices for essential interventions for reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (2015).

Although there are some countries that have successfully scaled NASG, UNICEF estimates that the global demand is much higher, given that five per cent of all women giving birth suffer from PPH. This is why UNICEF has added it to its portfolio of innovation projects - to use its know-how capacity in scaling proven technologies to ensure a fit-for-purpose and value-for-money product is available and accessible worldwide.

NASG has been used by UNICEF, UNFPA, NGOs and governments over the past five years, saving thousands of mothers lives at an average cost of US$3 per use.

UNICEF has added NASG to its Supply Catalogue and is providing technical guidance and support for its procurement, distribution, and implementation. With UNICEF’s expertise in scaling proven technologies, NASG can reach more mothers, ensuring future PHH deaths are prevented.