Over the course of two weeks in 2008, Dr. Laura Stachel witnessed women in desperate conditions delivering babies in African hospitals. For example, on a trip to Nigeria, the former obstetrician watched the lights go out during an emergency cesarean section.
She knew she needed to do something about the lack of basic necessities — like light and electricity — needed to safely deliver babies.
Dr. Stachel went back to the states and worked alongside her husband to design a portable solar kit that can provide electricity during labor and birth. We Care Solar was born.
Inside these bright yellow suitcases are solar energy kits, complete with much-needed light and for all the necessary medical equipment. Once fully charged, it can provide light for up to 20 hours. The kit also contains headlamps, a fetal Doppler to monitor a baby's heart rate, and a cell phone charging unit.
According to CNN.com, We Care Solar completed the solar electric installation that her husband originally designed for the state hospital in 2009. Over the next year, the hospital reported that the death rate for women had decreased 70%. Nurses could finally see what they were doing, they didn't have to turn women away, and they had blood for transfusions because the electricity provided power for a blood bank refrigerator.
We Care Solar provides its solar suitcase, along with training and installation, to hospitals and clinics for free. Each solar suitcase costs $1,500, which the nonprofit funds through grants and support from partner organizations and sponsors.
Check out Dr. Stachel's story below. If you think this woman is brilliant, please SHARE this video with your friends on Facebook!
