BCI has begun its first-ever solar electrification of a birthing center in Kedougou, Senegal, one that will directly protect the lives of mothers and their newborn children during childbirth. Two other birthing centers in the region remain without power. More than 500 women and their arriving newborns annually give birth at night without safe lighting and a clean water. Our solar electrification of all three centers and their wells that provide water is now changing this.
"Nighttime births are very dangerous," said Karine Sar, Director of the Barefoot College International Senegal regional center. "If they have to use kerosene lamps, it is a very unhealthy situation for the birth. Some midwives and nurses resort to have a light from their cellphone in their teeth while delivering the babies."
Our first successful electrification is underway. If we can hit our target goal for Giving Tuesday, we can immediately begin preparation for the next birthing center, and train the next beneficiaries to install and maintain it.
In addition to the provision of clean lighting and water improving the healthcare that the birthing centers can deliver, BCI Solar Engineers would be prepared to disseminate portable solar torches and lanterns as well as implement any ENRICH modules in reproductive healthcare that could benefit the Birthing Center staff and those it serves. The positive difference that this proposal would make to natal healthcare would therefore be immense and lasting.
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