It was in 2022 when Lars Seligman was honored at the “Swedish Heroes Gala” for his tireless work as a doctor in Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in the world, and symbolically presented with a solar module. What has happened?
Electricity is the most basic requirement for healthcare. But in many parts of Africa, it is still the exception. This is true in Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in the world. "We do not have an electricity grid in Sierra Leone. So, we use generators to power our equipment. Especially the ones that give oxygen to the children. It is difficult to get fuel, and it is not environmentally friendly. The fact that we don't have electricity is a disaster and it causes children to die," Lars said on stage during the ceremony.
Lars Seligman, now in his 80s, is a retired doctor from Sweden who decided that his work as a doctor should not end. He began volunteering in Sierra Leone and visited the Moyamba Government Hospital four times a year to support the work of the medical team. Later on, he founded Bridging Health Development (BHD), a non-profit organization that supports healthcare in Sierra Leone, with a focus on the care of children. In July 2023 Lars transferred to working at the Njala University Hospital in Sierra Leone. The country's health system faces significant challenges, especially for the pediatric population. The under-five mortality rate is 100.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, one of the highest in the world. Sierra Leone's conditions are very basic, with limited technical equipment, including diesel generators.
Children are dying for the lack of electricity
He told the audience during the ceremony that some children would die simply because of the lack of diesel to run the oxygen generators. "To see a child die who you know could survive if you only had more resources - it feels so extremely unfair," Lars said, deeply moved by his experience, and went on to tell the story of a newborn girl who was premature but otherwise healthy. She died from lack of electricity and oxygen. "We knew we had enough fuel to provide electricity for six to eight hours. I worked like an animal to find fuel, but I failed. I was sitting next to her when the fuel ran out, the generator stopped, the oxygen ran out and she died," he says, continuing: "It's so painful to see a child die needlessly, just because you don't have diesel.
24 solar panels and many local volunteers make the difference
Sometimes small contributions can make a big difference. In the age of solar energy, this is certainly true. It has never been easier to bring off-grid electricity to the most remote areas. Lars' story made a lasting impression on our solar partner Sesol, and the team decided to get involved - Sesol donated a complete solar installation to Njala University Hospital using LONGi modules. The Sesol team further assisted with other installation materials, training and logistics to get the system up and running. The installation was carried out by local Sierra Leonean volunteers.
The PV system is now making a big difference for the children's hospital. The team is able to use ventilators and other critical medical equipment around the clock without relying on the grid.
Although Sierra Leone still has many challenges to overcome to provide better healthcare, no child at Njala University Hospital will die from lack of oxygen.
When asked what drives him every day, Lars said: "It's very simple. This work needs to be done, and I can do it.
Watch the full story in the video compiled by our partner Sesol.
