Twelve years ago, Dibe Gaya health center in Teltele woreda, Ethiopia, opened its doors to serve the community of 16,492.  Focusing on children, elders, and expectant mothers, the center faced a constant challenge – keeping the lights on.

“Before, it was a struggle,” admitted Mr. Zakir Wayo, the center’s director.  Generators hummed, spewing fumes and gobbling up fuel.  Essential services like emergency care, surgery, and delivery rooms were shrouded in darkness whenever the fuel ran out, jeopardizing the health of the most vulnerable.  The cost was high, both financially (averaging 10,000 ETB a month for fuel) and environmentally.

Then came a ray of hope – Caritas Switzerland and their Powerblox (PBX) solar technology.  With three 200-watt units installed, Dibe Gaya was transformed.  Night became day within the center’s walls.  The laboratory bustled with activity, emergency cases were handled efficiently, and mothers received the critical antenatal care they needed, all under the gentle glow of solar power.

But the impact goes beyond treatment rooms. The entire compound is bathed in light, ensuring the safety of patients and staff alike. Mobile phones, lifelines for communication, can now be charged consistently.  Printers hum, keeping vital records readily available.  Most importantly, extended working hours allow the center to provide even better quality care.

Dibe Gaya health center is a beacon of hope, powered by the sun, ensuring a healthier future for the entire community.