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6 years ago

The UN agency using solar power to generate electricity in their health posts

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International Organization of Migration on Friday said is planning to set up a 24-hour health care system in its health posts in makeshift Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar's Kutupalong and Balukali.

In order to achieve that target in areas where there is no electricity they are using solar power.

Since August 25 when the refugees from Myanmar started to arrive, the UN migration agency has set up over 75,000 health consultations for both Rohingya refugees and the local community in those regions.

In October alone, over 3,865 women received pregnancy-related care, including 3,030 antenatal care, 525 postnatal care and 310 deliveries.

Prior to the introduction of solar power, IOM's healthcare teams were confined to working during daylight.

The new energy supply also powers wells and water purifications systems.

 It also means that the health posts are not affected by power cuts and patients can charge their phones while they wait, according to a report in UNB.

The introduction of solar energy was made possible through the support of Solevolt, a solar energy company, Kopernik, a non-profit organisation that distributes low-cost technologies to recipients in less-developed countries, and BPO Data Exchange, a Bangladeshi Social Enterprise.

"As the demand for our healthcare services increases, solar-powered lighting means we can provide round the clock emergency consultations and medicine distributions," explained Mariam Abdelkerim-Spijkerman, IOM Emergency Health Officer in Cox's Bazar.

"The health needs of the refugees are immense - providing 24-hour lighting helps save lives," she added.

IOM currently supports 13 health facilities, seven mobile medical teams (six in Ukhiya and one in Teknaf) and 10 ambulances for transporting urgent and emergency cases.

 In collaboration with partners, it also works with over 350 community health workers throughout Cox's Bazar.

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