RAWCS Project 18-2021-22, Rotary Solar Case (RAOAF) – Darcy Geale
The Rotary Solar Case was created as a consequence of discussions with a fellow Rotarian working in women’s health in PNG, Wendy Stein OAM, concerning the challenges faced by village birthing assistants in remote areas delivering babies by spirit lanterns or mobile phone light (as long as the battery lasted).
Childbirth mortality rates in the Oceania region continue to range from 5 to 10 times those in Australia – some of the highest in the world.
Would we accept these levels in Australia?
The project was initiated in 2017, with the first Australian Cases being available for field testing on the cusp of COVID. While initial expectations were around 100 Cases, COVID and subsequent funding and resources limitations severely impacted the project. Despite these initial challenges, there are now 3 in the Solomon Islands, 1 in the Philippines and 13 in PNG.
The Solar Cases are being used as intended – to help deliver babies, giving them a better chance in life and helping to ensure their mothers receive the best chance of a full recovery. To date over 100 babies have been delivered using the lights from our first pilot Case.
The project is not unique inasmuch as some 6500 similar units have been distributed across Africa by a US NGO. They have independent reviews validating the need and that their cases meet expectations. However, their cases are far more expensive than our Australian made units and are not considered suitable for the warm, tropical and humid environments encountered in Oceana.
Today the project faces a decision point. Currently, a one-man band it cannot continue as is – the project must close, gain further collaboration or expand to new frontiers.
If the project is to continue it needs a better project structure to enable new thinking and broader expertise both to develop the idea for different settings, and to ensure the project’s longevity.
Could the project expand within Oceana to include remote telemedicine for remote regions, serving remote health centres, refugee camps, or disaster stations – very possible but not without significant additional input?
If you are reading this and wish to be involved, either as a Club or an individual please contact me by email at rotarysolarcase@gmail.com. You can also visit our blog at https://rotarysolarcase.weebly.com/
The need is real, the health issues are real, the future is possible – but not without help – are you prepared to help?