How we helped:
We provided solar energy systems to bring solar power for lighting and medical equipment to two 24-hour treatment clinics in the Kutupalong camp. Following their initial deployment, the units were installed very rapidly for use by the International Organization for Migration (IOM’s) Diphtheria Treatment Centers providing 24/7 lighting during the diphtheria outbreak which began in November 2017. Now these clinics have reverted back to general care and the energy systems are assisting to provide lighting for 8am to 8pm operations as well as fueling medical devices such as ultrasound machines used for antenatal screenings.
Language
English
Content Status:
Ready for translation
Related project:
Rohingya Refugee Crisis Emergency Response
The problem:
According to the Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) Situation Report dated 24 September 2017, there are an estimated 436,000 Rohingya refugees living in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh. The speed and scale of the influx has resulted in a humanitarian emergency.
The Rohingya population in Cox’s Bazaar is highly vulnerable because of the severe trauma they fled and the extremely difficult conditions they now live in. These families spent most of their savings on transportation and constructing shelters. Now, they are reliant on humanitarian assistance for food and other life-saving needs. Limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities also raise the risk of a disease outbreak
Time period:
Oct 2017 to Apr 2018
Reaching the last mile:
The Solevolt units were initially deployed to provide solar power for lighting and medical equipment at IOM’s Primary Health Clinic and Health Posts. These locations provided general outpatient consultations, antenatal services and delivery rooms, stabilization and referral and served as a base for data management and community outreach.
The main use of the Solevolt-derived electricity is to power lights and fans in the clinics during day and night time activities. This allows the clinics to be run from 8am to 8pm. They are also used to power medical devices such as Ultrasound machines for use in antenatal screening.
Following the emergence of a diphtheria outbreak in November 2017, both clinics, the D4 and AA clinics, were repurposed to become lifesaving Diphtheria Treatment Centres (DTC). These centres provided 24 hour isolation and lifesaving treatment which was delivered by IOM in partnership with the UK government-deployed Emergency Medical Team. From December 2017 to February 2018, these DTCs were in operation around the clock, seeing over 3,500 suspected cases and providing lifesaving treatment.
Now that the diphtheria outbreak is under control, the DTC facilities are no longer admitting patients, however they are still providing triage and referral services for residual diphtheria cases. The AA clinic will also be upgraded to provide general outbreak response and serve as a treatment centre in preparation for the upcoming rainy season when the risk of a diarrhea outbreak is high.
The challenges:
The main challenge of the project was to coordinate the logistics for getting the products from China to the project location.
What people are saying:
“Many people have lost their homes and been separated from family and friends during their escape from Myanmar. So there is naturally a lot of concern and worry when we tell people that the diphtheria patient and one caregiver should stay in isolation away from the rest of the family. That’s why our staff here are trained to give them special counseling so we can explain to them what is happening and why, and give them reassurance that staying in the wards means they can get proper treatment under close monitoring and not pass the infection to others. As the demand for our healthcare services increases, solar-powered lighting means we can provide round the clock emergency consultations and medicine distributions. The health needs of the refugees are immense – providing 24-hour lighting helps save lives.”
Dr. Mariam Abdelkerim-Spijkerman, Emergency Health Officer, Cox’s Bazar, IOM
"The Solévolt systems have allowed us to extend hours of care into the night, providing safe delivery for mothers and stabilization of emergency patients who otherwise would have to wait until the next morning. With the recent diphtheria outbreak, we are able to rapidly deploy a second system to an emergency 40-bed isolation and treatment center deep within the camp to provide life-saving care for people suffering from this deadly disease. The portability and plug-and-play nature of the system mean that we can have 24-hour care operational within days, instead of weeks, saving lives and halting further spread to this already extremely vulnerable population."
Dr. Patrick Duigan, Regional Migration Health Advisor, IOM