Zambia: The Ministry of Health in Zambia has improved their health infrastructure with the help of UNICEF and Gavi. They are working on a solar electrification project.
Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, met with UNICEF Project Manager for Supply Division, Daniel Rodrigo Vargas and Lokesh Sharma, who serves as the the UNICEF Health Facility Solar Electrification (HFSE) Consultant.
The officers talked about the progress of Health Facility Solar Electrification Project. The Ministry of Health announced that the president is committed to give access to running water, flushable toilets, and reliable power systems in all health centers
UNICEF’s Program Group (PG) and Supply Division (SD) and Gavi are supporting the government of Zambia in the project. Through this project, they want to give hospitals across the nation access to sustainable energy solutions. They will help to improve healthcare delivery.
The programme is especially crucial in underserved areas. 200 health facilities across Zambia will be solar-electrified to improve energy access and making consistent, high-quality healthcare services accessible
The project was launched in February 2024. Since then the organization:
• Established a multisectoral Project Management Team.
• Selected and assessing health facilities to benefit from the initiative.
• Finalized and submitting a Costed Operational Plan to UNICEF.
• Conducted an ecosystem analysis to identify local stakeholders for solar equipment operation and maintenance.
• Submitted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Gavi for pre-endorsement.
The Ministry of Health and UNICEF, with the help of a representative will work with a clearing agent for shipment receipts, customs clearance, and freight forwarding.
During the meeting, Ministry highlighted that they need to expand the project due to climate challenges affecting energy security in health facilities.
Additionally, they announced that after the two-year period, the government The Ministry has requested an extension of external support to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Ministry of Health thanked UNICEF and Gavi for their support. They claimed that the project will help in strengthening Zambia’s healthcare system.