In a significant step towards improving healthcare service delivery, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has commissioned 25 primary healthcare facilities with solar power, underscoring its commitment to reliable energy access in health facilities. The newly electrified health centres are part of phase two of the Healthcare Electrification Project, which is set to expand to include 11 more government hospitals, including Connaught, in its next phase.
With over 200 kilowatt peak (kW) of energy now available to these peripheral health units (PHUs), the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its development partners, delivers sustainable, uninterrupted power to critical healthcare sites. This initiative aligns with the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby's vision to provide reliable energy to all 1,600 health facilities across Sierra Leone.
The official commissioning, held at Jenner Wright Clinic, celebrated the progress of the project, funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and implemented by SEforAll, EM-ONE Energy Solutions, and Tetra Tech. Launched in October 2022, the healthcare electrification project aims to create a climate-resilient, sustainable healthcare system by delivering clean, reliable power. With 0.6 MWp of installed solar PV capacity and battery storage now operational, beneficiary facilities can offer 24-hour care without the challenges of power outages.
Deputy Minister of Health I, Professor Charles Senessie, presided over the event and emphasised the ministry’s commitment to sustainable and resilient healthcare infrastructure. “This solarisation initiative is not just about installing solar panels,” he noted; “it is about ensuring that every community can access reliable, uninterrupted power to enhance the quality of care.”
For years, inconsistent power has impeded healthcare access in remote and underserved communities. Reliable energy is critical for powering medical equipment, maintaining safe storage for medical supplies, and supporting health workers in their daily tasks. Currently, 38% of health facilities in Sierra Leone still need electricity, leaving nearly a thousand facilities reliant on diesel-powered generators or intermittent grid supply, which strains their resources and budgets. In fact, hospitals spend an estimated 20% of their monthly revenue on fuel for generators—a costly and environmentally detrimental practice.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustainable energy at COP28, asserting that the nation’s healthcare sector is going green. The recent commissioning at Jenner Wright exemplifies his dedication to this goal.
Six government hospitals, including Kabala, Kambia, and Masanga, have previously benefited from round-the-clock solar power. Professor Senessie launched phase three of the project, bringing solar energy to 11 more government hospitals, including Connaught, Lakka, Port Loko, and Kenema. This will bring the total to 17 solar-powered hospitals and add 4.3 MWp of clean energy capacity nationwide.
This bold initiative promises transformative impacts on healthcare quality and accessibility in Sierra Leone, strengthening the foundation for a sustainable, equitable healthcare system for all. By John T. Allieu
SLENA Correspondent
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