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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 8d

We're back with new episodes of #BeWater!
Our second season begins with the #SustainablePlan and how to achieve it.
Listen and let us know what you think!
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@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social
@sdgactioncampaign.org

Be Water. Episode 6: A sustainable plan

Listen to Be Water. Episode 6: A sustainable plan by SURG-Water #np on #SoundCloud

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 16d

A sustainable solution continues to work long after the initial project has been completed. It's something that local communities can maintain using their own resources without harming the environment or requiring constant external help.
We're committed to finding that solution.
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 23d

Our solar-disinfected rainwater system provides maternity wards in rural health facilities with safe water where there was none before.
We're achieving this while developing local manufacturing skills, which will have a lasting impact that goes beyond providing access to water.
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 26d

In Malawi, some health centres don’t harvest rain despite the abundance in some parts of the year —storage tanks are lacking and rainwater is seen as unsuitable for cleaning.
Raising awareness of the importance of rainwater harvesting is therefore a key part of our mission.
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Sep 8

We are pleased to introduce another colleague through the #MeetTheTeam series. Today, we welcome Desire Mussa.
He's probably still celebrating the completion of his Master's degree at MUBAS (Malawi), so I'm not sure if he'll read this post 👏🏾🥳
Congratulations, Desire!
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Sep 1

We want to share the happiness of our colleague @D_C_Mussawho, who has recently obtained his MSc in Sustainable Energy.
Based on his work in #SURG_Water he assessed the effectiveness of #SODIS systems in #Malawi under the lowest solar UV intensity.
Congratulations, Desire! 👏🎉💃
@researchireland.ie

SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Aug 29

"According to @WHO, only 24% [of health centres in Malawi] have running water, which poses a lethal danger to pregnant women."
Read this by @masauli.bsky.social in @elpais.com, about this issue and how our work helps:
shorturl.at/Dd8BJ
@researchireland.ie

Un invento en Malaui para que mujeres como Ntata no caminen más de un kilómetro recién paridas para buscar agua

La falta de condiciones higiénicas en los centros de salud rurales del país africano, donde solo el 24% tiene acceso a agua corriente, representa un grave riesgo para la salud materno infantil

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Aug 27

#WorldWaterWeek2025 is under the theme "Water for Climate Action"
Our project helps health facilities in Malawi adapt to droughts and unreliable rainfall by harvesting rainwater and utilising solar energy to transform these natural resources into a clean, accessible water supply
@researchireland.ie

SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Aug 20

Millions of women give birth in clinics without access to clean water, which can lead to deadly infections. #SURG_Water focuses on maternal wards because life begins there, and what better way to start life than to be washed with clean water after entering this world?
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Aug 18

We're #localising, which means we're aiming to develop our water system right here in Malawi, using local skills and materials. We are looking at ways to adapt the technology so that it can be manufactured and repaired in Malawi or neighbouring African countries as required.
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Aug 15

Thanks to the money donated by the family and friends of Dr Dirk Grabosch (Castro-Rauxel, 🇩🇪) on his birthday, 2 new tanks have been installed at the health centres in Thekerani and Chimaliro.
A generous gesture that will boost these communities' water storage capacity.
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Aug 11

Design thinking is a creative, practical way to solve problems by focusing on what real people need.
At #SURG_Water, we apply #designthinking to deeply engage with communities, listening to their needs, testing ideas collaboratively and refining solutions together.
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jul 23

We are #localising our technology so that it can be produced and operated locally.
Why is this important?
This will reduce construction and maintenance costs, increase the potential for wider use in #Malawi and ensure the #sustainability of the technology beyond the project.
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jul 11

At SURG-Water, we’ve redesigned our reactor to be simpler, easier to clean, and more cost-effective — and it’s performing impressively in tests. Innovation driving sustainability.
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @rcsipophealth.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jul 9

We're working on a new design for our reactor!
And we've travelled all the way to the Solar Platform in Almeria, Spain, to take a look.
A full video will follow soon, but in the meantime, take a look at the team here.
Exciting things to come!
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jul 4

We're continuing the important task of introducing our colleagues through the #MeetTheTeam series. Today, it is Zsofia Torok's turn. Zsofia is the latest addition to the RCSI team and is already proving to be a valuable asset, helping to take our research to a new level.
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jul 2

Our colleague Desire C. Mussa has recently talked at #TEDxBwaila, “addressing societal issues through sustainable energy.”
Desire used his personal story to show how some of the challenges faced in #Malawi might be solved using sustainable energy 💙🧡
#TEDxtalks #TingatheWecan
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jun 26

Dr Chiara Pittalis spoke last evening at @atu-ie.bsky.social about SURG-Water and the environmental and social epidemiological impacts of water insecurity. She emphasised that, from addressing health disparities to enhancing climate resilience, water access is foundational 👏🌧️
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jun 23

By treating harvested rainwater with #SODIS, maternal wards can maintain safe, hygienic conditions, ensuring better outcomes for mothers and their babies. It is a simple, scalable solution for rural healthcare.
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jun 18

"#Photovoice is a powerful way to bring out community voices, especially for rural women who rarely get the chance to share their needs and experiences." (Dr Chiara Pittalis)

Want to hear more about the communities we work with?
www.frontiersin.org/journals/glo...
@ria.ie @researchireland.ie

SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jun 13

Our team in #Malawi is presenting @surg_water today at the event hosted by @mubasmw to celebrate the 20th anniversary of @washtedmubas (Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Technology Development).

It's always great to discuss harvesting rainwater and #SODIS 🌧️🌞

@researchireland.ie

SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jun 11

Meet the next star of our #MeetTheTeam series!

As the youngest member of the team, Linda Mwale brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to our work. Her positive energy and versatility make her a great asset to the team.

@researchireland.ie
@rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · Jun 5

On #WorldEnvironmentDay we celebrate the work of many organisations to create sustainable solutions that help communities mitigate the impact of climate change.
It's a collective effort towards a global solution
@unep.org @researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · May 21

In Malawi, rainwater harvesting ensures that communities have access to water when they need it most. By making use of rainfall families can store clean water for drinking, cooking and hygiene purposes, reducing their dependence on unreliable sources and making daily life easier
@researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · May 19

Another introduction in #MeetTheTeam!
Today, it's the turn of @kgmcguigan.bsky.social: a good-humoured co-PI, Jedi #SODI master (he looks after the solar disinfection aspect of the project), winner of a @UNESCO award and always up for a good craic.

@researchireland.ie @rcsi.bsky.social

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