Donate

We are raising funds for Bwiam General Hospital on behalf of Power Up Gambia, a nonprofit that aims to bring solar energy and water to rural hospitals in The Gambia, West Africa. These funds will be used to purchase a mortuary refrigerator for the hospital, a necessary equipment update that the hospital is in desperate need of due to the extreme temperatures that Bwiam is subject to. Due to this climate, the decomposition of patients post-mortem occurs at an accelerated rate, both creating an unhygienic environment and fostering uncertainty within the families of the deceased. The lack of refrigeration is not only a problem for the deceased, but also for the staff and other patients in the hospital’s care as it creates a public health hazard, making it difficult to stop bacterial growth and other dangerous pathogens. In addition, The Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country, with approximately 95% of the country adhering to Islam. As a part of these practices, it is of great importance to bury a loved one within 24 hours of their death — a task that is complicated by the hospital’s lack of refrigeration. Bwiam General Hospital often has to transport deceased patients to another hospital in Banjul, which can take over two hours each way. In these cases, burial customs are at risk of being postponed as bodies are unnecessarily transported between hospitals. This region is also unique given that there is more religious diversity which may call for longer times of preservation as per specific customs. To add to this complexity, operating a hospital without a functioning mortuary makes the hospital liable to legal troubles. While the Gambia’s specific regulations are evolving, it is possible that a preventable mishandling of bodies could lead to legal trouble from families or staff. With your assistance, we hope that you can help us bring Bwiam General Hospital up to the general standards of care and preserve the dignity of the patients post-mortem.

 

The goal amount will cover the cost of the new fridge, the total shipping cost, and packaging logistics. Once delivered, our engineers on site will build and install the fridge to ensure proper function.

 

Your contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of the people in these communities. Thank you for your support!

 

Best,

Power Up Gambia Team