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In a significant step toward bolstering Zimbabwe’s healthcare system and promoting sustainable energy solutions, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday officially handed over a state-of-the-art 450 kW solar system to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm). Additionally, 1,044 solar systems have been installed across health facilities nationwide, with a combined generation capacity exceeding 11 MW, further reinforcing the country’s health infrastructure.
The ongoing Solar for Health (S4H) initiative, launched in 2016, is designed to address frequent power outages that severely affect public health facilities. These solar systems provide uninterrupted and reliable electricity, ensuring that essential services, such as cold chains for medical supplies and life-saving equipment, can operate without disruption.
Together, the solar systems commissioned to date have required an investment of approximately US$19 million. Of this, US$18.5 million was dedicated to the 1,044 solar systems installed across health facilities, while the solar system installed at NatPharm’s Harare facility cost US$555,000. In total, the Global Fund has invested US$28 million in Zimbabwe’s solar energy initiatives, which include ongoing installations and those yet to be commissioned and transferred.
UNDP Resident Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr. Ayodele Odusola, highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “Today marks a significant achievement in our collective efforts to deliver sustainable healthcare solutions in Zimbabwe. These solar systems are not only improving healthcare services but also contributing to Zimbabwe’s renewable energy and climate change mitigation goals.”
Linden Morrison, Head of High Impact Africa at the Global Fund, remarked, “The Solar for Health initiative aligns fully with the Global Fund’s strategy, which seeks to address the impact of climate change on health systems. By supporting projects like this, we are not only building a stronger health system but also contributing to the global fight against climate change.”
Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care, emphasized the critical role that solar energy plays in healthcare delivery, stating, “Frequent power outages disrupt critical operations, delay medical procedures, and compromise the quality of care that we strive to provide. The Solar for Health initiative directly addresses these challenges. With reliable energy, our health facilities can maintain continuous operations, ensuring that essential services are available even during power outages.”
This latest milestone aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Health Strategy, National Development Strategy, and the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF). It also supports global goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on health (SDG 3), renewable energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships (SDG 17).
Key Benefits of the Solar for Health Project:
- Energy Efficiency: Solar systems provide up to 70% of electricity needs, reducing reliance on the grid.
- Environmental Impact: Over 11,447 tons of CO2 emissions will be avoided annually.
- Cost Savings: Reduced electricity and diesel costs allow resources to be redirected to healthcare services.
- Strengthened Medical Supply Chain: Reliable power ensures consistent storage of medicines and vaccines.
Solar for Health is a Ministry of Health and Child Care initiative made possible through funding from the Global Fund, managed by UNDP, and with strong partnerships between the Ministry of Energy and other key stakeholders. Capacity-building initiatives are ongoing to train local personnel in the maintenance of these systems, ensuring their sustainability.
The solar installations serve as a model for integrating renewable energy into public infrastructure, supporting Zimbabwe’s Renewable Energy Policy and the Zimbabwe National Electrification Program.
