Reducing Maternal Mortality in Northern Nigeria WE CARE: Women’s Emergency Communication and Reliable Electricity Laura Stachel, School of Public Health
Why Nigeria? 11% of the world’s maternal deaths >1100 deaths per 100,000 live births Lifetime risk of dying as high as 1 in 13
The Three Delays HomeTransportHospital
Labor and Delivery
Operating Theatre
Life Threatening Delays
Inadequate Lighting
WE CARE Women’s Emergency Communication and Reliable Electricity Solar Electricity to… ….provide reliable lighting ….enable mobile communication ….power equipment
Operating Room Design
“Solar Suitcase” Immediately Operational Portable Economical Safe
Demonstration to Hospital Staff
Impact of LED light Medical Documentation Before
Medical Documentation With LED Headlamps
Impact of LED light Nursing Care Before After
Impact of LED lights Surgical Care Before After
Testing Two-way Radios
Improved Care Improved Communication –Immediate Contact –Reduced Delays –Patient Status Updates –Less Referrals Out Improved Lighting –Increased Visibility –Increased Ease of Procedures –Increased Safety
Future Directions…. Install permanent PV system in hospital Install blood bank refrigerator Purchase two-way radios and LED headlamps Develop “solar suitcase” model Scale up to other facilities
Special Thanks to Our Funders… -Big Berkeley -Blum Center for Developing Economies -Bixby Program in Population, Family Planning & Maternal Health