GlobalECHO Foundation commits to provide funding support to Panzi Hospital in DRC

The GlobalECHO Foundation (www.globalechofoundation.org), a 501©(3) charitable foundation dedicated to providing innovative funding solutions to many of the challenges facing the world community, yesterday announced its commitment to provide funding support to the Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The Panzi Hospital is world-renowned for its work on reproductive health and its assistance to survivors of sexual violence in a region where unrest and devastating hardship are factors of daily life.  The GlobalECHO Foundation will contribute funds to provide solar panels for the entire hospital, bringing a reliable source of renewable energy to the hospital, which in turn will provide consistent hot water and warm meals for the patients and enhance the ability of the staff to perform life-saving surgeries.  The announcement was made from the Clinton Global Initiative main stage during yesterday's plenary session.

"The GlobalECHO Foundation is dedicated to supporting projects and organizations that have the power to transform communities and inspire positive change well beyond their geographic boundaries," said Philippe Cousteau, GlobalECHO Foundation Co-founder and Chairman.   "The Panzi Hospital's critical work in the Congo represents the spirit of hope and determination that the Foundation seeks to support in our commitment to empowering and improving the lives of women and children around the world."

The GlobalECHO Foundation will collaborate with the world's largest manufacturer of solar panels and CGI member, Suntech Power Holdings, to supply the solar panels and provide the support necessary to integrate the new energy system into Panzi Hospital's facilities.  Once installed, the new system is expected to meet and exceed the hospital's estimated energy needs thus providing stability and reliability for its critical work in the community. Founded by the world-famous doctor and humanitarian Dr. Mukwege  in 1999, the Panzi Hospital provides life-saving support for survivors of rape and violence allowing them to rebuild their lives and their communities with services and resources from providing basic quality health care and developing educational programs to the advancement of women's rights.