Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Health Reporter
Hospitals across Africa have reported a significant improvement in the provision of safe pediatric surgeries following the installation of solar-powered operating theatres.
The initiative is being rolled out through a partnership between Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused charity, and Scottish organisation Kids Operating Room (KidsOR).
Launched in July 2020, the initiative has already equipped 61 hospitals with stand-alone solar surgical systems, with a target of 77 by year-end.
Forty theatres have also been refurbished with child-friendly equipment and design, making them safer and more welcoming for young patients.
A recent survey of 21 hospitals revealed a 68 percent improvement in surgical safety, while 93 percent of respondents reported fewer power-related disruptions during operations. Ninety-two percent said the solar systems aligned with their organisations’ ESG values.
Smile Train’s vice president and regional director for Africa, Mrs Nkeiruka Obi, said: “We knew we needed a solution tailored for Africa’s unique challenges, including frustrating power outages with low surgical infrastructure.
“This innovation provides partner hospitals with reliable energy, allowing them to focus on delivering safe surgery to children, including those born with clefts.”
KidsOR chief executive officer, Mr David Cunningham, noted: “Every installation includes training for local teams to maintain and operate the systems.
“This empowers hospitals to manage independently during outages and ensures pediatric operations continue without interruption.”
Earlier this year, KidsOR installed two dedicated paediatric operating rooms at Sally Mugabe Children’s Hospital in Harare, significantly improving access to surgical care in the country .
The project piloted in four countries—including Zimbabwe—and confirmed that the solar system reduced CO₂ emissions by approximately 1 104.84 kg. The partners project annual reductions of around 13 tons per site .
Working with the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) and the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), Smile Train and KidsOR are also supporting the training of 45 pediatric surgeons via academic scholarships.
This solar-powered surgery programme has cut surgical delays and safeguarded young patients—even when the grid fails—making it a cornerstone of sustainable pediatric healthcare across the continent.
Peter Tanyanyiwa