ZAMBIA BOOSTS HEALTHCARE ACCESS WITH SOLAR POWER FOR 200 FACILITIES

Reported by: Samuel Ernest.
Date: 24th February, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.

Zambia is making significant strides in strengthening healthcare infrastructure through sustainable energy solutions. In a strategic move to enhance service delivery, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF and Gavi, is spearheading the Health Facility Solar Electrification Project, aimed at equipping 200 health facilities with reliable solar power.

During a high-level meeting today, the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, engaged with UNICEF Project Manager for Supply Division, Mr. Daniel Rodrigo Vargas, and UNICEF Health Facility Solar Electrification (HFSE) Consultant, Mr. Lokesh Sharma, to evaluate the project’s progress.

The initiative aligns with the New Dawn Government’s broader vision to ensure that all health facilities nationwide have access to essential utilities, including running water, sanitation, and sustainable energy sources.

Since its launch in February 2024, the project has achieved key milestones, including:

1. Establishing a multi-sectoral Project Management Team.
2. Identifying and assessing beneficiary health facilities.
3. Developing and submitting a Costed Operational Plan to UNICEF.
4. Conducting an ecosystem analysis to determine local capacity for solar system maintenance.
5. Submitting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Gavi for endorsement.

The Ministry of Health emphasized the urgency of expanding the project, citing climate-related energy challenges that continue to disrupt healthcare services in many regions. To ensure the sustainability of the initiative, the New Dawn Government has committed to maintaining the solar systems beyond the initial two-year period but has also requested an extension of external support to bolster long-term resilience.

This initiative underscores Zambia’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system through innovative and sustainable solutions. The Ministry of Health extended its appreciation to UNICEF and Gavi for their steadfast partnership and reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the successful implementation of this transformative project.

Picture Credit: MOH
The Agency.