The Health Promotion Alliance of Cameroon (HPAC), in collaboration with generous benevolent donors, the Silverman Family and Yvonne Williams & Family has successfully completed solar energy projects at two critical rural health facilities: Nlobole Integrated Health Centre in the Akonolinga health District and Mbat Integrated Health Centre in the Bangem health District. These initiatives are part of HPAC’s broader mission within the BornFyne project’s Smart Resilient Health Facility Program known as “Lighting Rural Health Facilities for Safer Deliveries”, aimed at improving maternal health and boost the health system in rural Cameroon.
Key Highlights of the Projects
Nlobole Integrated Health Centre (Akonolinga District)
Completion Date: February 17, 2026
This project involved installing a hybrid solar system designed for durability, efficiency, and sustainability. The hardware installed includes:
- Hybrid Solar Inverter (3kVA, 24V): Manages stable voltage output, line switching, and supports critical medical equipment and lighting.
- High-Efficiency Solar Panels: Two panels of 550W each, roof-mounted to maximize sun exposure.
- Lithium Solar Battery (24V, 100Ah): Deep-cycle energy storage providing ample power for overnight operations, ensuring continuous availability.
- Installation Kit: Includes 10 meters of cabling, fuse box, 20A AC line breaker, 25A DC breaker, mounting
System Performance
- Estimated daily energy generation: Approximately 3.3 kWh, based on 4-6 hours of peak sunlight.
- Expected autonomy: Over 24 hours with battery capacity, supporting continuous night-time deliveries and emergencies.
- Technical benefits: Improved visibility in the delivery room, better medication management, and reliable charging of digital health systems like BornFyne-PNMS.
Impact and Transformations
Operational & Clinical Improvements
- Night-time safety: The installation of solar lighting has transformed childbirth practices by enabling safe, well-lit deliveries, reducing maternal and neonatal risks.
- Enhanced healthcare quality: Clear visibility allows healthcare workers to manage complications more effectively, including postpartum hemorrhage and cervical tears.
- Staff motivation and retention: Reliable power supports phone charging and enabled the seamless use of digital health tracking systems like BornFyne-PNMS.
Community and Governance
- The projects foster local ownership, with plans to formalize maintenance protocols through district authorities and community-managed “maintenance kitties.”
- Local technicians trained during installation are available to handle routine repairs, ensuring sustainability.
Conclusion
The successful electrification of Nlobole health center represents a milestone in Cameroon’s rural health development efforts. With reliable, sustainable power, this facility is now safer, more efficient, and better equipped to serve the community. HPAC’s initiative demonstrates how targeted philanthropic interventions can transform healthcare infrastructure, reinforce human dignity, and foster resilient health systems.
