In a landmark initiative to revolutionize healthcare delivery in North Kivu and Kasai Oriental in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), OffGridBox, in collaboration with our partners, the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL) at UC Berkeley, and the Research Centre for Humanitarian Aid (RCHA-DRC), has successfully installed our advanced FLEX and CHIARA systems along with a selection of vital biomedical equipment in 10 health clinics across the region. This effort is poised to significantly enhance healthcare services and contribute to a critical research study examining the impact of reliable energy on infant mortality rates. This project was funded by Power Africa under the Health Electrification and Telecommunications Alliance.
Transforming Healthcare with OffGridBox
The DRC faces numerous challenges in providing adequate healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Access to reliable electricity is a fundamental issue that hampers the functionality of health clinics. Power outages and the absence of electricity not only disrupt day-to-day operations but also compromise the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments.
To address these challenges, OffGridBox has introduced two of its cutting-edge solutions:
- **FLEX System**: A versatile and scalable solar energy module, which offers a robust energy supply in off-grid settings or backup power in environments with unreliable grid. This system guarantees uninterrupted power for essential devices, including refrigeration for vaccines, diagnostic machines, and other life-saving technologies. Its adaptability makes it ideal for various applications, ensuring continuous energy supply even in the most remote areas.
- **CHIARA System**: Complementing FLEX, the CHIARA system focuses on water purification through micro-filtration. It ensures a steady supply of clean, potable water, crucial for patient care, sanitation, reduction in water-borne diseases, and overall hygiene in health facilities.
These installations are complemented by a selection of biomedical equipment, including infant warmers, autoclaves and oxygen machines, which are now operational in the clinics concerned. This integration of reliable energy solutions and modern medical technology marks a significant leap forward in the quality of healthcare services available to the local population.
“‘The solarization of our hospital has increased patient attendance, since the energy is permanent and the essential services are operational 24 hours a day’. ”
Transformative Impact on Health Facilities
The impact of these installations has been immediate and profound:
1. **Enhanced Medical Services**: With reliable electricity, health facilities can now operate essential medical equipment, perform surgeries after dark, and store vaccines safely. This improvement directly enhances the quality of healthcare services provided.
2. **Improved WASH**: Clean water access has drastically improved hygiene and sanitation practices, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases. Health workers can maintain sterile environments, crucial for patient recovery and infection control.
3. **Reduction in Infant Mortality**: Reliable power for neonatal care equipment and consistent refrigeration for vaccines are critical in reducing infant mortality rates. The provision of clean water also prevents infections that are particularly dangerous for infants.
4. **Community Empowerment**: The involvement of local technicians and community members in the installation and maintenance of the systems has empowered communities, fostering self-reliance and technical skills.
5. **Climate Change Mitigation**: The use of renewable energy sources helps to fight climate change (SDG13). Replacing diesel generators as well as the practice of using charcoal to sterilize equipment, greatly reduces the carbon footprint and promotes eco-friendly practices in healthcare delivery.
A Partnership for Progress
The success of this initiative is made possible through the collaboration with RAEL and the Research Centre for Humanitarian Aid. RAEL's expertise in renewable energy and sustainable development, combined with the humanitarian focus and logistical support from the Research Centre for Humanitarian Aid, has been instrumental in the planning and execution of these installations.
Together, we have not only equipped these clinics with the necessary tools to operate efficiently but have also ensured that healthcare professionals are trained to maximize the use of these technologies. This comprehensive approach guarantees long-term sustainability and improved health outcomes.
We also benefitted from our partnership with wPower, a women-led company that has as its mission to Bring Sustainable Solutions to the Renewable Sector and to Elevate Women in the Energy Sector. wPower provided trained (female) technicians to carry out the installation at the different sites.
Researching the Impact of Reliable Energy on Infant Mortality
One of the most critical issues exacerbated by the lack of reliable healthcare infrastructure is infant mortality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the DRC has one of the highest infant mortality rates globally. In 2021, the infant mortality rate in the DRC was approximately 67 deaths per 1,000 live births, significantly higher than the global average of 28. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for interventions that can improve maternal and child health services.
The high infant mortality rate is primarily due to preventable causes such as infections, birth complications, and lack of access to clean water and proper nutrition. Reliable electricity and clean water are fundamental to providing adequate healthcare services, such as neonatal care, vaccination, and safe childbirth practices. By addressing these infrastructure gaps, the OffGridBox project aims to contribute to a significant reduction in infant mortality in the DRC.
By systematically analyzing data from the 10 clinics equipped with OffGridBox's systems, we will work together with RAEL and RCHA in seeking to provide empirical evidence on how stable and continuous power supply can improve healthcare delivery, particularly in maternal and child health services. The findings from this study will be crucial in advocating for broader implementation of renewable energy solutions in healthcare settings across the region and beyond.
“We used to spend $120 per month on charcoal to sterilize equipment. This is now down to $45 per month.”
Looking Ahead
The installation of the FLEX and CHIARA systems, along with the biomedical equipment, marks a significant milestone in OffGridBox's mission to bring sustainable energy solutions to the most challenging environments. This project not only enhances healthcare services in the DRC but also contributes valuable insights into the role of energy in improving health outcomes.
In order to make sure that this project will be sustainable, we added a business model that includes the generation of revenues by selling excess solar power and clean water to entrepreneurs and members of the communities around the health clinics. The clinics will be able to use these revenues to pay for an operations and maintenance contract with OffGridBox, which will help to increase the lifespan of the equipment.
As we move forward, OffGridBox remains committed to expanding our impact, working closely with our partners to innovate and deliver solutions that transform lives. The journey towards a healthier, more sustainable future has just begun, and we are excited to continue making strides in empowering communities with reliable, clean energy.
For more information on our projects and updates on the ongoing research, stay connected with OffGridBox and our partners.