(Finance) – EF Solarone of the main photovoltaic operators in Europe, 70% owned by F2i Sgr funds and 30% by Crédit Agricole Assurances, has collaborated with MMIA ODV (Doctors and Teachers in Adoption) to contribute to theopening of the “S. Antonio da Padova” Obstetric Center to Krakè, a peripheral neighborhood of Cotonou, in Beninwith the donation of photovoltaic panels which guarantee green electricity to a structure located in an area without mains electricity. EF Solare took care of the activities necessary for the shipment, as well as remote support from the on-site technicians called upon to build the system.
The Centre, inaugurated last 24 August 2024 and operational from 1 September after two years of work entirely financed by the MMIA ODV association chaired by Doctor Mario Mariani, has already become a key focus for maternal health in the region. In just two months of operation, the structure has welcomed over 50 parties – including a case of triplets – and carried out more than 80 pre- and post-natal visits, as well as 76 obstetric ultrasounds carried out by Dr. Juliette Fifonsi, trained thanks to a specialization program supported by MMIA ODV (Doctors and Teachers in Adoption).
The “S. Antonio da Padova” Maternity Center is located in an area characterized by a shortage of resources and services. The property offers accessible and safe care for the female population who would otherwise have to face long journeys and high costs to reach other facilities. The initiative is made possible thanks to the support of MMIA ODV, which will finance the salaries of the eight healthcare workers for the first two years, allowing a significant reduction in the costs of services.
Thanks to photovoltaic panels installed donated by EF Solare and connected to a storage system, the Maternity is active 24 hours a day and has the energy needed for night lighting, fans, water compressors and the operation of key equipment such as the ultrasound and future laboratory instruments being completed. The system is “stand alone” and is sufficient to ensure 100% of the energy needs of the entire structure.
In addition to the activity already started, the Center aims to become a point of excellence for women’s health. Future projects include construction of three new rooms dedicated to radiology (with a mammograph already available), microbiology and minor surgery, including cesarean operations. The goal is to make the facility a cornerstone for the treatment and prevention of female diseases in the region. The local NGO ELEP – Enfance Libre et Epanouie also collaborated on the project.
The MMIA ODV association has also built and set up 6 schools and medical centers around the world (Central African Republic, Brazilian Amazon, Zanzibar, Bhutan, Benin) and is completing the seventh (dental clinic in Haiti).
“We are proud to have contributed to a project that puts people’s lives and health at the centre. Solar energy once again demonstrates its potential to concretely improve the living conditions of the most disadvantaged communities, where essential resources such as electricity are often lacking. Thanks to this technology, Maternità ‘S. Antonio da Padova’ can guarantee fundamental health services in a continuous and safe way, becoming a point of reference for many women and families”, declared Andrea Ghiselli, CEO of EF Solare Italia.