Homegrown Solution Curbs Post-C-Section Infections

Africa faces one of the highest rates of post-Cesarean surgical site infections (SSIs) in the world, with some estimates soaring as high as 12 percent. In a move that aims to reduce such infections, a team of innovators and researchers at CAMTech Uganda has developed I-Dress, a wound dressing specifically designed to prevent SSIs after birth. 

SSI prevention relies heavily on the timely and effective administration of prophylactic antibiotics. Post-Cesarean SSI prevalence substantially extends hospitalization duration as well. 

“l-Dress combines locally sourced honey known for its antibacterial properties with olive oil, which maintains a moist wound environment. These ingredients are embedded in a gauze fabric that is usually used for medical dressings and packaged in a form resembling a sanitary pad for easy application and convenient use,” explained Nuriat Nambogo, a researcher at CAMTech Uganda. “Sterility in the ready-to-use dressing was achieved using gamma irradiation, 800 or 1,000 Gy, from the Uganda Cancer Institute. The irradiated product was tested for any presence of microorganisms at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute [UIRI] to ensure that sterility was achieved to ensure the product’s sterility and overall safety.”

Honey and olive oil-based dressings have the potential to improve caesarean section wound healing in terms of induration, dehiscence, and healing time. These dressing materials can supplement the standard dressing materials, especially in resource-constrained settings. 
 

Product Development 

While developing I-Dress, the study team consulted with UIRI, which provided support in designing the final product and running sterility tests to ensure product safety on human skin and wounds. UIRI also provided guided on the mixture and exact ingredient measurements.  

“Developing the wound dressing tool wasn’t as easy as it would seem, as the team did some processes manually. We were lacking the equipment to use in cutting the one size of gauze needed, measuring the amount of honey, and determining what amount of olive oil needed to be used with honey,” Nuriat stated. 

At Uganda’s Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), the rate of post-Cesarean SSIs is around 7.9 percent, according to a 2024 observational study. I-Dress is already demonstrating promising results. 

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During early clinical trials, the device was tested on 25 mothers in three public hospitals located in southwestern Uganda, which demonstrated that the product promoted faster healing and prevented infection more effectively than standard dressings, Nuriat said. Wounds showed significant improvement as soon as the second day. 

“Its straightforward application and incorporation of culturally familiar materials played a key role in boosting patient satisfaction,” she explained. “Additionally, members of the medical community, including clinicians, gynecologists, and mothers who have undergone Cesarean sections, found it easy to use on surgical wounds, leading to full acceptance and no resistance during the trials.” 

In terms of cost and accessibility, CAMTech Uganda estimates that four dressings will cost less than US$2, which is promising in terms of affordability and accessibility. l-Dress is currently seeking regulatory approval from the National Drug Authority (NDA) in Uganda for wider use beyond research. Additionally, plans are underway to improve packaging and branding for commercialization.  

After winning at ASME ISHOW Africa 2025, the team’s long-term vision is to reduce maternal deaths resulting from C-section-related infections beyond Uganda. CAMTech Uganda plans to use the grants that came with winning on commercialization efforts in Uganda and across the East African region. 

Discover the Benefits of ASME Membership

In an interview with one of the expert facilitators at ISHOW Africa 2025, June Madete, a lecturer at Kenyatta University, expressed appreciation for ASME’s innovation competition process, which involves a three-day round robin. “This format involves experts in different areas—business, manufacturing, design, etc.—asking the innovators targeted questions on their innovations. This allows for a deeper understanding of the innovations compared to a 30-minute pitch,” she added.  

Inquiring as to why there is a difference in the innovation ecosystem in Kenya and Uganda, Madete explained that Uganda’s innovation ecosystem is more streamlined, with a single regulatory body (the Uganda FDA) that handles all aspects of medical device approval. In contrast, Kenya has multiple siloed entities that innovators must navigate, which slows down process. 
 

l-Dress challenges 

The team faced several hurdles during their development journey, including difficulties in securing initial funding for proof-of-concept work. They also encountered obstacles while navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding medical innovations.  

“Securing initial funding for proof-of-concept development and navigating the intricate regulatory framework surrounding medical innovations have posed significant challenges throughout the journey,” Nuriat said. 

With commercialization on the horizon and a clear vision to reduce maternal deaths, I-Dress is poised to become more than just a dressing—it’s a model for homegrown solutions transforming public health. 

Mercy C. Wanjiku Nduati is an editorial fellow based in Nairobi, Kenya, with Engineering for Change, an online platform for innovators working to solve problems in sustainable global development. ASME is a founding partner of E4C.