Smile Train, Kids Operating Room Power Safer Pediatric Surgeries Across Africa with Solar-Powered Theatres

The ongoing installation of solar-powered pediatric operating theatres, a bold initiative by Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused charity, and Scottish charity Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) is gaining momentum across Africa.

This development was noted in a press statement issued by Smile Train Senior Manager, PR & Communications, Africa, Emily Manjeru, on Tuesday, August 19.

It read in part, “A recent survey conducted in 21 hospitals across Africa reported a 68 per cent increase in surgical safety, while 93 per cent of respondents confirmed a significant reduction in power-related disruptions during procedures. Additionally, 92 per cent agreed that the solar system aligns with their organisation’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values.

“We can still operate even when the electricity is off. This has benefited pediatric patients by preventing prolonged fasting as they wait for power to return,” one hospital representative shared in the survey.”

“It has given us the confidence of no power interruptions and therefore no service delivery interruptions despite country-wide load shedding,” another added.

This comes following a survey of 21 hospitals across the continent which revealed a 68 per cent increase in surgical safety, while 93 per cent of respondents reported fewer power-related disruptions.

Through this partnership, 61 hospitals across Africa have already been equipped with stand-alone solar surgical systems, to reach 77 hospitals by the end of 2025. The partnership, launched in July 2020, has also refurbished 40 surgical theatres with child-friendly equipment and design.

Smile Train’s Vice President and Regional Director for Africa, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, emphasised the practical impact of the collaboration: “We knew we needed a solution tailored for Africa’s unique challenges, including frustrating power outages with low surgical infrastructure.

“This innovation provides partner hospitals with reliable energy, allowing them to focus on delivering safe surgery to children including those born with clefts.”

Obi added that the solar surgery system has proven critical in minimising surgical delays and safeguarding pediatric patients even during extended power outages.

The Smile TrainKidsOR partnership is drawing attention to long-term sustainability and capacity building. Every installation includes hands-on training for local surgical teams, ensuring they can maintain and manage the theatres independently.

The CEO of Kids Operating Room, David Cunningham, added: “Every installation includes training for local teams to maintain and operate the systems. This empowers hospitals to manage independently during outages and ensures pediatric operations continue without interruption.”

Beyond infrastructure, the Smile Train–KidsOR partnership has also invested in the future of African pediatric surgery by collaborating with the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) and the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA). Through this initiative, 45 pediatric surgeons across Africa are being trained and supported with academic scholarships.