Kenya has successfully conducted a test run for world’s first solar powered ambulance marking a game charger in health delivery in the country.
The yellow, black and white car named Stella Juva is fitted with solar panels on its roof that are used to power the engine.
The car is equipped with testing kits for tuberculosis, cooled storage for vaccines, X-ray machines, and an ultrasound scanner.
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Part of the function of the ambulance, is to bring vital healthcare to those in need rather than transporting them to health centres for treatment.
Speaking about the new development was Geoffrey Sadera of Amref Health Africa who are partners of the project who said that ‘this vehicle will be a game changer.’
Some of the features of the ambulance is that it is a two seater and can reach speeds of upto 120 km/hr and can cover upto 715 kilometers on a sunny day.
The solar panels also ensures that the vehicle remains operational at night or during cloudy conditions.
“We’ve driven more than 800 kilometres and tested her capabilities both in whether she is able to go off-road and how she can actually deliver healthcare,” said  Isabella Wanningen, a student who worked on the project told AFP
She continued by recalling how her and her team members put in the work to ensure that the project is a success and that it there believe that it helps to inspire the industry, healthcare organizations and innovators.
“We hope to inspire the industry, healthcare organisations and innovators to use sustainable technology to solve real-world problems,” she said
