Meanwhile, operating rooms are a significant source of greenhouse gas production for hospitals when they're working at full capacity.
She said to help tackle this dual challenge, Smile Train and KidsOR will begin implementing stand-alone solar battery support systems in pediatric operating rooms in Africa in 2023, with the first hospitals being identified now.
"Solar panels will be mounted on the roof of a facility, which will charge a battery unit capable of powering medical equipment in an operating room continually during daylight and for a further six hours after sunset," said the CEO.
Her sentiments were echoed by KidsOR chairman Garreth Wood who said their team are experts at working in remote and challenging environments.
He said they approached the challenge to develop a surgery-specific power system with a view that, "We had to provide seamless power supply to the operating rooms of even the most remote hospitals."
He said the solution is a combination of solar systems with some new developments, some of which are so unique that they 3D print them for each project.
"We can now deploy a power unit that removes reliance on the national grid, requires no diesel generator back-up, reduces the carbon footprint of each operation, increases patient safety and integrates high tech activities like anaesthetic gas scavenging to even the world's most remote hospital,' he said.
He said the non-profits' shared model is to strengthen the local healthcare system and give the local doctors tools and skills needed to care for their own population.
"This unique solar surgery system makes the best possible care available to the most vulnerable and remote child. While improving health today, this partnership will also make sure we aren't contributing to the climate change burdens of tomorrow," he said.
Smile Train and KidsOR work together in countries around the world to increase capacity for safe pediatric surgery, including lifesaving cleft lip and palate surgeries.