FCTA Launches “Light Every Birth” Initiative at Kuje General Hospital
By: Winnie Tanu
In a bold stride to improve maternal and child healthcare in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), in partnership with We Care Solar (WCS), officially launched the Light Every Birth (LEB) Initiative on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Maternal Ward of Kuje General Hospital.
Speaking on behalf of the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, the Permanent Secretary of HSES, Dr. Baba Gana Adam, said the initiative supports the vision of the FCT Administration, led by His Excellency, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to provide equal access to quality healthcare for all residents, no matter their background or location.
Dr. Adam stressed the importance of reliable and clean energy in maternity and newborn wards. “This initiative is more than a technical upgrade. It is about saving lives, especially those of mothers and newborns,” he said.
The Light Every Birth Foundation, working with FCT HSES, has helped bring solar power to many primary and secondary healthcare centres in the capital city. The initiative also supports women by training them as solar installers, helping them contribute to healthcare, and earning a living.
Dr. Adam commended the dedication of the staff and management of Kuje General Hospital and restated the FCTA’s strong commitment to making childbirth safer and more respectful. He also encouraged individuals and organizations to support the effort to improve healthcare services across the FCT.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the launch took place during the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, themed “Little Footsteps, Big Future”, which highlights the Secretariat’s commitment to giving every child access to good healthcare from birth for a better future.
Earlier, Dr. Ambrose Katugi Muhwezi, Senior Director of Healthcare Programs at We Care Solar, explained that the goal of the LEB initiative is to bring steady solar power to health centres for safe maternity and newborn care.
He expressed concern over how the irregular power supply has caused preventable deaths in many developing countries and said WCS is working to solve this problem.
Dr. Muhwezi confirmed that more than 200 solar suitcases have been installed in various primary and secondary health facilities across the FCT. He added that the project will continue until all public health centres are covered as part of efforts to improve primary healthcare in Nigeria and reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ruqaya Wamakko, and others shared real-life examples of how solar suitcases have improved healthcare services and made conditions safer for patients and health workers.
Senior government officials, healthcare experts, traditional leaders, mothers, representatives from We Care Solar, healthcare workers, and members of the local community attended the event.
