Imagine having to give birth in the dark because there was no electricity.
Or not being able to have your baby immunised because there was no refrigeration.
Electricity literally saves lives in Africa.
Electricity connectivity has been a significant challenge at Dominase Epicentre in Ghana for several years now, due to low supply of electrical poles and electrical cable for installation. The lack of electricity is concerning, particularly for essential facilities like the health clinic, impacting the ability to provide healthcare after dark and keep vaccinations cold due to the lack of a working fridge.
Epicentre Nurse Hagar explains.
“Due to the persistent lack of electricity at the health facility, numerous challenges have arisen. The situation was particularly difficult for pregnant patients, as they too would be referred if they arrived at the facility after 6 PM.
Additionally, every Wednesday, the health facility conducted weighing and outreach programs. However, the lack of electricity meant that the vaccines couldn’t be stored on-site, for the children, necessitating regular trips to another health facility to acquire them.”
THP-Ghana saw the dire need by the health facility for electricity and collaborated with the Electricity Company of Ghana to successfully have electricity connected..
“The health facility now enjoys a continuous and uninterrupted 24-hour supply of electricity. Now, patients can receive medical attention at the facility even after 6 PM, eliminating the need to refer them to another health facility.
The availability of electricity allows for proper drug storage on-site, ensuring that medications are readily accessible.
This improvement in electricity supply has also addressed the challenges associated with deliveries, enabling them to be carried out smoothly without any issues related to inadequate lighting.”