By Wendy Mkandawire
The ministry of health and Sanitation has installed solar power systems in 74 health facilities and two staff houses across 12 districts, making a major step towards strengthening immunization services and improving healthcare delivery in rural communities.
Deputy Director of community and promotive Health Services expanded program on immunization Dr Mike Chisema highlighted that reliable electricity is critical to protecting the potency of a vaccine and ensuring every child has access life serving immunization servicesHe further said that the ministry is also investing in the warfare of Frontline health workers by improving living conditions in remote areas through the electrification of staff houses.
” Reliable electricity in staff houses improves the quality of life for health workers and helps attract and retain skilled personnel in underserved communities”, he added.
According to the ministry the investment will help reduce vaccine wastage, maintain the quality of temperature sensitive medical commodities , improve reliability on health services and enhance preparedness for future public health emergencies.
The ministry has reaffirmed it’s commitment to expanding sustainable energy solutions in health facilities to ensure every Malawian, regardless of location has access to quality care.The project has benefited facilities Lilongwe,Dowa,Mzimba,Machinga, Blatyre,Nsanje ,Ntcheu ,Mlanje,Chitipa, Karonga,and Dedza district.
