New "Solar Suitcase" Helps Prevent Infant Mortality
A solar energy educator and medical doctor in California have developed a suitcase-sized solar system for use in hospitals of developing countries.
Co-founders of nonprofit organisation, We Care Solar, Hal Aronson and Dr. Laura Stachel developed the portable solar system after Stachel witnessed appalling healthcare conditions while studying ways to lower maternal mortality in state hospitals Nigeria.
Without a reliable source of energy in the hospital, midwives are often forced to work using candles or kerosene lamps and rates of infant mortality are extremely high.
The husband and wife team developed the “Solar Suitcase”, an off grid solar system that would fit into a suitcase shaped box and charge LED lights, head lamps and walkie talkies needed for the creation of a safe maternal ward.
The kit comes with 40 to 80 watts of solar panels and a 14 amp-hour sealed lead-acid battery. It can provide power for mobile communication, small electronic items and laptops.
Stachel distributed the Solar Suitcases among her Nigerian colleagues as well as outlying health facilities.
Following their success in Nigeria, We Care Solar have received requests for Solar Suitcases from health workers around the world and plans are in place to expand programs in Uganda, Sierra Leone and Malawi.
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February 4, 2014 | By Aussie Batteries | Comments