The Rotary Club of Verwood is transforming Maternal Healthcare in Sachibondu, Zambia
In 2018, the Rotary Club of Verwood undertook a significant international project to support the development of a modern maternity hospital in the remote village of Sachibondu, Zambia. This initiative aimed to address critical challenges in maternal healthcare while promoting sustainable energy solutions.
The project involved funding the installation of a solar farm capable of generating close to 17kW of power, with a budget of £65,000. Prior to this, the limited power supply in the area relied on a small fuel-driven generator and a seasonal water turbine—both unreliable and insufficient to meet the community’s needs.
The local women and those from surrounding areas faced immense difficulties in accessing healthcare. Many walked for days to reach a small, unhygienic, and deteriorating facility that had long been unsuitable for purpose. Improvised transport options such as wheelbarrows and bicycles were often the only means of travel, further compounding the challenges of giving birth under already difficult circumstances.
The Rotary Club of Verwood raised £2,000 for this initiative, which was matched by an additional £2,000 from the district’s International Initiatives & Aid fund, culminating in a total contribution of £4,000. These funds played a pivotal role in supporting the installation of the solar farm and the completion of the maternity hospital.
Today, the hospital is fully operational, providing a safe, professional, and hygienic environment for childbirth. Staffed by nursing professionals supplied by the Zambian government, the facility has significantly improved maternal healthcare outcomes in the region. Women now have access to safer births and enhanced medical care, which has transformed lives in this underserved area.
Despite its success, the hospital continues to rely on donations to sustain its operations. The Rotary Club of Verwood’s efforts exemplify the impact of collaborative, community-driven initiatives, demonstrating the power of combining renewable energy solutions with humanitarian aid to create lasting change.
Follow this link to the Sachibondu website>>
