Let there be light -- in childbirth : A PWRDF-supported program is set to expand power and possibilities in rural Mozambique
https://archives.anglican.ca/link/article43035
- Author
- Townsend, Matthew
- Material Type
- Journal Article
- Journal
- Anglican Journal
- Date
- 2021 April
- Author
- Townsend, Matthew
- Material Type
- Journal Article
- Journal
- Anglican Journal
- Date
- 2021 April
- Volume
- 147
- Issue
- 4
- Page
- 9
- Notes
- In recent years the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund has been involved in an expanding program "to bring solar-powered light and equipment to rural health centres in the Nampula region" of Mozambique. "In the first phase, 30 health centres were selected to receive the solar suitcases, which are manufactured by California-based 'We Care Solar'. Working with a local partner 'Association of Community Health (EHALE)', PWRDF and We Care Solar helped train 12 people in the installation, maintenance and use of the devices". "The solar suitcases [were] installed as part of PWRDF's All Mothers and Children Count program five years ago ... A few hours of sunlight will charge two lanterns for an entire night of use, bringing light to any medical interventions that could be needed during childbirth. The addition of a fetal Doppler has also proved attractive to parents. The device is charged by the suitcase". "The second phase of this project aims to install 51 more solar suitcases -- 50 more in off-grid rural health centres and one as a demonstration unit in EHALE's offices". PWRDF Executive Director Will "Postma notes that the funding formula has changed. The first 30 solar suitcases, as part of the All Mothers and Children Count, benefitted from a six-to-one funding match from the Government of Canada. The second phase, however, is not part of a government matching program, so PWRDF is funding the full cost. Per suitcase, that's between $5,000 and $6,000 plus another $2,000 or so in shipping, training and other costs. PWRDF is also funding replacement of some of the lithium batteries in the existing units". "As this article was being written in February [2021], the 51 new suitcases were being assembled, with the aim of shipping them to Mozambique in May. There, EHALE will receive them and see to their installation".
- Subjects
- Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) - Mozambique
- Solar energy - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada
- Solar energy - Mozambique
- Solar suitcases
- Maternal and infant welfare - Mozamnbique
- Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF). All Mothers and Children Count Program
- EHALE (Organization)