NAIROBI: Dutch students on Friday celebrated a successful trial in Kenya of what they say is the world’s first solar-powered ambulance, hoping to bring vital medical care to remote regions.
The futuristic yellow, black and white car — named ‘Stella Juva’ — is equipped with roof-mounted solar panels that power the engine.
It also carries testing kits for tuberculosis, cooled storage for vaccines, X-ray machines, and an ultrasound scanner.
The ambulance is designed to bring healthcare to the patient, rather than transport them to hospitals — vital in regions where medical facilities are few, and maternal health is still precarious.
“This vehicle will be a game changer,” said Geoffrey Sadera, of Amref Health Africa, which partnered on the project. Amref focuses on maternal and child health.
