Hon. Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has hailed solar power as a transformative force in Sierra Leone's healthcare sector, describing it as a "social revolution" during a high-level visit to solar-powered facilities at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) and Ola During Children's Hospital (ODCH).
Reflecting on his travels across the country, the Vice President emphasised the critical role of reliable energy in delivering quality healthcare. “This is not just about powering medical equipment; it is a matter of life and death,” he declared, highlighting the significance of solar energy in maternity wards and neonatal care units.
Vice President Jalloh recounted the challenges previously faced by healthcare workers, including frequent power outages that led to vaccine spoilage and preventable deaths. “Energy is the key ingredient to making healthcare work effectively,” he affirmed, underscoring the potential of solar solutions to resolve such issues.
The Vice President noted the tangible improvements in the special baby care unit at PCMH, which now operates consistently thanks to solar energy. This innovation has eliminated reliance on diesel generators, freeing healthcare staff to focus on patient care. “Previously, chief medical officers spent up to 18% of their time managing generators. With solar power, they can now dedicate that time to clinical duties,” he explained.
Government Commitment to Renewable Energy
The visit highlighted the government's commitment to expanding solar energy solutions across the country’s healthcare facilities. Vice President Jalloh stressed the importance of solar refrigeration for vaccines and the role of energy in modernising laboratories and digitising medical records. “Energy is critical for digital health solutions,” he stated.
Dr. Austin H. Demby, Minister of Health and Sanitation, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the government’s focus on reducing maternal and infant mortality. “Achieving energy independence for healthcare facilities is crucial to sustaining progress,” Dr. Demby said, adding that the government aims to power 1,600 medical facilities with solar energy by 2030.
Partners Celebrate Solar Progress
Dr Kandeh K. Yumkella, Chairman of the Energy Generation Coordination Group (EGCG), praised the transformative impact of solar energy, which was made possible through support from the British government and Sustainable Energy for All. He commended the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Jalloh for prioritising energy infrastructure. “Reliable energy is saving lives, especially in maternity and neonatal care,” Dr. Yumkella stated.
Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi, also applauded the initiative’s global significance. Drawing from her early career experiences in Nigeria, Ogunbiyi stressed that solar energy is vital for timely medical interventions. “No generator can power a hospital in the critical seven seconds needed to save a life,” she noted.
Healthcare Workers and Beneficiaries Speak Out
Amadu Sesay, Medical Superintendent at PCMH, expressed deep gratitude for the solar energy project, citing dramatic improvements in service delivery, particularly in maternal health. “Gone are the days when nurses had to rely on their phone’s flashlight to perform procedures,” he said, adding that plans to expand the solar system to staff quarters would further enhance healthcare worker morale.
As Sierra Leone moves toward its 2030 goal of energy independence, Vice President Jalloh reiterated the government’s resolve to invest in green energy solutions, calling it both an economic priority and a moral imperative. “Energy is a human right,” he declared, emphasising the life-saving impact of renewable energy on healthcare delivery.
With ongoing solar upgrades, Sierra Leone’s healthcare system is poised for a brighter and more resilient future, ensuring better outcomes for patients and healthcare providers.
Aminata Turay
Office of the Vice President
099776914
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