Let There Be Light International (LTBLI) is committed to fighting energy poverty (SDG7) in sub-Saharan Africa and climate change (SDG13) through solar programming in partnership with NGOs serving vulnerable communities (SDG17).
Since LTBLI’s founding in 2014, 56 rural health clinics in Uganda serving 730,000 people have received solar systems (SDG3) and 21,000 homes have received solar lights in Uganda, Malawi and Kenya (SDG1, 3, 4, 5). Catalyst2030 is a unique network of aligned social entrepreneurs, helping LTBLI to amplify our impact and learn with other changemakers.
A core focus of LTBLI’s solar safety-net programming is our innovative maternal and infant health program, Safe Births + Healthy Homes. SB+HH recognizes that maternal and infant health does not end but rather begins at birth. While clinic electrification is a critical first step, maternal and infant health is impacted by poor indoor air quality and fire risks in off-grid homes.
The “+” sign in the descriptor is intentional, pointing to the additive quality of the focus on clinics and homes and their interconnected impacts and outcomes. Recognizing that infant pneumonia, household burns, fires and respiratory diseases are far too common in off-grid households burning kerosene and candles for light,
SB+HH focuses on improved access to healthcare as well as on the health, safety and wellbeing of households. 3,000 mother/baby pairs have participated in SB+HH over the past 2 years. By 2030, we hope that all maternity clinics and homes have access to safe, renewable lighting.
Shine On!