Christmas 2023 saw a door of opportunity open for SonSet Solutions. Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, located in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, asked if we could help them with a solar-powered oxygen concentrator for one of their rural health clinics.
Their need was simple. In rural Papua New Guinea, pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in children under five. Recovery is often straightforward with prompt oxygen and antibiotics; however, if oxygen is not provided, the recovery rate is poor. The challenges are real. In remote clinics – many only accessible on foot or by plane – delivering oxygen is difficult and costly. In addition, with no electrical infrastructure, there is no reliable way to power this life-saving technology.
Our team carefully assessed the power requirements of an oxygen concentrator, then designed and assembled a solar power system for it. By November 2024, the fully tested and assembled unit was shipped to its destination.
In May 2025, the container finally arrived in Kudjip where it was tested, repacked and delivered to the Sangapi Health Clinic. The unit was installed and Dr. Spencer Kimsen spent a week training the nurses in the operation of the oxygen concentrator. During that time, he had seven children with pneumonia come in for treatment. He says, “Initially, I was concerned the concentrator might be underutilized, but real-time data and field experience clearly showed a high and ongoing need.”
Encouraged by its success, Kudjip Hospital is now considering additional units for its eleven rural clinics. This technology is already proving to be a lifesaving blessing – and it comes with an even greater hope. As Christian nurses and local church pastors serve the patients and their families, they also share the gospel of Jesus Christ, preparing hearts for the miracle of new spiritual life as well.
By Earl Hartwig, August 2025
