Go Solar in African Paediatric Operating Rooms for a Brighter Future

The African continent is the second largest and second most populous continent on Earth, and yet 30% of its population still lack access to a reliable source of electricity. The problem is especially acute in child operating suites, where electricity is needed for life-saving medical equipment. To address this issue, organizations such as Power Change Africa have been trialling the use of solar energy as a reliable source of power.

Solar energy is a low-cost, clean, and abundant energy source that, when harnessed correctly, can provide a steady source of electricity for households and businesses, even in rural and remote areas. The use of solar energy in paediatric operating rooms can help reduce costs while reducing carbon footprints, leading to the development of healthy, sustainable, and secure societies.

Solar Energy: A Collection of Panels and Batteries

Solar energy systems are composed of two main components: solar panels and batteries. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. The electricity produced is then stored in batteries that can be used during the night and on cloudy days.

It is important to install the correct size solar energy system for the specific building. The size of the system should be determined by calculating the power requirement of the operating room, which can be done by considering the number and type of equipment (e.g. lights, monitors, and ventilators). A smaller system is usually suited for operating rooms with fewer items of equipment, while a larger system may be necessary to meet the power requirements of larger suites.

Benefits of Solar-Powered Operating Suites

Having a solar-powered operating suite offers many advantages. First, a solar-powered system can be used to provide reliable and continuous power supply, even when mains electricity is not available. This ensures that operations can continue to be carried out safely, even when the national electricity grid is down.

Second, a solar energy system is cost-effective and can reduce healthcare operating costs as hospitals will no longer have to incur expenses for electricity. This money can be instead be used for other medical services and equipment, leading to improved healthcare for children.

Third, solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy, which reduces the carbon emission from conventional energy sources. This helps in the reduction of air and water pollution, as well as climate change.

Power Change Africa's Initiative for Solar-Powered Operating Rooms

Power Change Africa is an organization that works to reduce energy poverty in the African continent by promoting the use of renewable energy sources such as solar. One of its major initiatives is to install solar-powered paediatric operating rooms in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In collaboration with the Ivory Coast Ministry of Health, Power Change Africa has installed solar-powered operating rooms in five hospitals across the country. They have trained local technicians on equipment maintenance, and have provided technical support to ensure that the systems remain in good working condition.

The organization has also been working to reduce energy poverty in other countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia. They have installed similar systems in hospitals and healthcare centers in these countries, and are also offering technical support to ensure that these systems remain in good working order.

Conclusion

Solar energy can provide a reliable and cost-effective source of electricity for paediatric operating rooms in Africa. The use of solar energy can reduce healthcare operating costs and reduce carbon emissions, leading to the development of healthy, sustainable, and secure societies. Power Change Africa is leading the way in the implementation of solar-powered operating rooms in the continent, and is providing technical support to ensure its success.

If you’re interested in helping to bring reliable and affordable energy to African paediatric operating rooms, fill out the form to join Power Change Africa’s initiative.

Summary

This article outlines the advantages of using solar energy to power paediatric operating suites in Africa and the work that Power Change Africa is doing to bring reliable and affordable energy to African paediatric operating rooms. Solar energy is a low-cost, clean, and abundant energy source that, when harnessed correctly, can provide a steady source of electricity for households and businesses, even in rural and remote areas. Power Change Africa is leading the way in the implementation of solar-powered operating rooms in the continent, and is providing technical support to ensure its success. To join the initiative, fill out the form provided.