PITCH OF THE WEEK

 Shonaquip Social Enterprise

           by  

  Shona McDonald

 

 

 

 

 

Chlorine Production Using Solar Energy

12, April 2023 - 14:35 | COVID-19 Health Innovations

Namibia Chemicals has developed a solution to produce chlorine by electrolysing salt using 100% solar energy as a means to fight cholera in an environmentally friendly manner. There has been a recurrence of Cholera and Hepatitis-E outbreak in Namibia and Africa at large with many associated fatalities recorded. Cholera is caused by the vibrio cholera bacteria found in dirty or sewerage water. Cholera can be easily prevented by simply purifying water with diluted chlorine, however, the product chlorine is not easily accessible to those living in rural areas. A spoonful of chlorine can dilute up to 20 litres of dirty water, but currently, all chlorine products are imported into Namibia which makes it expensive for the ordinary Namibian to afford.The company is founded by Immanuel Hango, a Civil Engineer by profession who also hold an MBA in entrepreneurship from Steinbeis University, Berlin.

Integrated Supportive Supervision

12, April 2023 - 14:10 | COVID-19 Health Innovations

The ISS platform integrates several checklists used by health partners when conducting integrative supportive supervision and makes this data easily accessible. The tool is web-based and can be used from a simple mobile device through an application. The solution is very easy to set up and can accommodate the input of data both online and offline. The solution enables GPS location, live signature and image capturing and storage, as well as the ability to download data and attachments for analysis and to accept or reject data submissions, as required. The platform has been deployed for the Nigerian Government.

We care Solar

12, April 2023 - 10:00 | COVID-19 Health Innovations

The We Care Solar Suitcase is a complete, compact, and rugged solar electricity system for maternal health care. The Solar Suitcase equips energy-poor health facilities with highly efficient medical lighting and power for mobile communication and small medical devices. This robust, user-friendly innovation functions as a primary source of medical light and power for off-grid health centers and back-up lighting for delivery rooms and operating theaters with unstable power. The Solar Suitcase supports timely and efficient emergency obstetric care and has been used in a range of medical and humanitarian settings. Each device includes four high-efficiency, 70,000-hour LED lights for medical tasks and surgeries, two rechargeable headlamps, a fetal Doppler, and an infrared thermometer. The system includes a 12V, 20Ah lithium ferrous phosphate battery, a charge controller, two 12V DC accessory (lighter) sockets, two USB ports, and two expansion ports to allow for optional accessories or additional lights. A custom display and user interface make operation simple and intuitive. All equipment is packed within a water-and-dust tight yellow case that becomes a cabinet that mounts to the wall. Accompanying 100-200 watt solar panels are secured to the roof. The Solar Suitcase enhances the safety of childbirth in countries with high rates of maternal mortality and poor access to power. It has been used across more than 7,000 health facilities in 20+ countries. We are conducting national programs as part of our Light Every Birth initiative, reaching every qualified public health facility in Liberia, Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe.