Can't die because of lack of light

Having witnessed the deaths in obstetrics due to lack of light, the female doctor Laura Stachel constantly thought about doing something to help pregnant women and babies in poor countries. And the 'energy suitcase' was born, helping save many pregnant women around the world.

From the business trip

On a visit to Nigeria in 2008, Dr. Laurau Stachel witnessed an emergency cesarean section. What she saw in her own eyes shocked her. 'The electricity suddenly went out, and I asked the doctors: how do we end this operation?' - Miss Stachel recalls. But even more, she was surprised because no one reacted because they were accustomed to sudden blackouts during the operation.

Fortunately, Stachel brought a flashlight and thanks to it the doctors completed the surgery. But during this two week trip, she witnessed countless other times when the lives of mothers and babies face risks simply because electricity is suddenly lost. Pregnant women were taken to the hospital with severe complications during the night, but not enough light for emergency treatment, had to wait until the next morning, and in many cases died.

Stachel female doctor and the 'rescue suitcase'

'I realized that my obstetric skills and other doctors were completely disabled when there was no electricity' - Stachel draws. In the case of power outages (frequent occurrences), she says, midwives in Nigeria make use of all artificial light sources when they give birth, from oil lamps, candles, even light from mobile phones. they . are not enough light needed for the management of maternity cases.

Nigeria is one of the 10 countries with the highest percentage of pregnant women in the world. In 2010, nearly 40,000 women died in childbirth, accounting for 14% of all deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.'When I saw this, I was constantly thinking about doing something' - Stachel said.

70% reduction in mortality

With the help of Hal Aronso, her husband and an energy expert, Stachel embarked on a search for a solution. Hal Aronso drew a blueprint for the solar power system to provide free electricity to state hospitals in Northern Nigeria, where Stachel conducted his studies to provide extra safety. women and children here.

While waiting to raise funds for this project on a large scale, Stachel returned to Nigeria with an 'energy suitcase' to test, helping people understand the technology as well as the benefits it brings. The Stachel suitcase to carry though, was only for 'demonstration' but the surgeons in Nigeria found it really useful. 'They uttered: It's unbelievable, you leave it here for us, it will help us save the lives of patients right now' - Stachel recounted. And Stachel did so, information about the 'lifesaver' quickly spread to other hospitals. Each time Stachel returned to Africa, she would bring one or two 'suitcases' that Hal Aronso had just "shipped".

'Energy suitcase' consists of 2 solar panels mounted on the roof of the clinic and connected to high quality LED bulbs. When fully loaded, in sunny areas like in Africa 'energy suitcases' can light continuously for 20 hours. The kit also has a headlight, a Doppler to monitor the fetal heart rate and a phone.

In 2009, the non-profit 'We care solar' project completed the installation of solar electricity by Stachel's own husband for a state hospital in Nigeria. A year later, according to the report, the mortality rate in pregnant women has decreased by 70%, because doctors have enough light to cure patients, have enough blood to emergency thanks to the electricity provided to Blood bank refrigerator.

Each solar suitcase costs 1,500 USD but is provided for free through support funds. So far, the 'We care solar' project has provided nearly 400 suitcases for clinics and hospitals in 27 countries across Africa, Asia and Central America. ' We will not let any more women die, no light . We are very happy!' - Fanny Chathyoka medical staff, hospital in rural Malawi, South Africa said.