By Morlai Sesay
In a significant event that gears towards a sustainable healthcare system in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health unveiled six hospitals' solar projects at the Ola During Hospital Campus, Freetown, on Thursday, January 25th, 2024.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Austin Demby, narrated the Ministry's participation at the COP-28 climate conference in Dubai last year, where Sierra Leone made a bold commitment that in the health sector, his Ministry will work assiduously to make it Go Green. He noted that they would transition from the use of hydrocarbons and fossil fuels to sustainable green energy that would power the transformation of the health sector, noting that his Ministry is committed to not only transitioning the 1600 medical facilities to sustainable energy but also by 2030, with the projected 2000 health facilities, all of them would be powered by sustainable renewable green energy.
According to the Minister, "Today is a momentous occasion as we gather here to celebrate a remarkable achievement of the first major leap in our trajectory of the healthcare sector of Sierra Leone. As the Minister of Health, I am privileged to stand before you and share the joyous news of completing the solarization project for six hospitals across the country".
Highlighting some of the districts that have benefited from the groundbreaking development, he referenced the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital, Ola During Children's Hospital Campus, Bonthe Government Hospital, Kambia Government Hospital, Kabala Government Hospital, and Masanga Hospital have all undergone a transformation that will forever change the way healthcare is delivered in Sierra Leone.
Minister Demby further noted that this project has been made possible through generous funding from the United Kingdom government's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Support and commitment from foreign aid, he said, has contributed immensely to improving healthcare in Sierra Leone over the years.
"I would also like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of SEforAll, the implementer of this project. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in completing these solarization initiatives. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their tireless work in advancing sustainable energy solutions in our healthcare sector," he affirmed.
The result-oriented person further expressed gratitude to Crown Agents, the Project Manager, for their exceptional management and coordination throughout this endeavor. He noted that their professionalism and attention to detail have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of this project.
"We must also recognize the contributions of EMONE Energy Solutions, the EPC contractor, for their expertise and commitment to implementing the solar power systems in these hospitals. Their technical proficiency and unwavering dedication have played a crucial role in the success of this project", he averred.
The Minister delightfully stated that he is happy to announce and thank the FCDO for their additional funding, which he said the Ministry has secured to extend the transformative initiative to eleven more hospitals across Sierra Leone. The expansion, he stated, will bring the Ministry closer to its vision of ensuring reliable and sustainable healthcare services for every citizen in the country.
Commenting on the benefits of such a laudable initiative, the Minister disclosed that by harnessing the power from the sun, the Ministry has not only addressed the issue of unreliable electricity supply but has also created a more resilient and efficient healthcare system. Solar power systems provide a reliable and uninterrupted energy source, enabling healthcare professionals to deliver critical services without interruption.
Moreover, he emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Ministry's commitment to environmental sustainability, thereby reducing the reliance on traditional energy sources, mitigating the adverse effect of climate change, and preventing the planet for future generations. He stressed that "we are setting an example for the world by embracing clean and renewable energy solutions in our healthcare sector.”
Demby passionately urges Sierra Leoneans not to forget the true beneficiaries of this endeavor. This achievement, he noted, is a significant step towards improving healthcare access and quality across the nation. He points out that it is a testament to the Ministry's tireless efforts to improve the health and well-being of the citizens of Sierra Leone.
Excitedly, some Ola During Children's Hospital Campus medical staff expressed their delight about the recent development. Some asserted that "we feel elated about this solar installation, especially now that we can use the facility. I am the most excited on earth today. 70 to 80% of my worries were based on sustainable energy that would complement our efforts. Even without work, sometimes at night, I will be around seeing the light, which certainly adds value to my life. I feel good; it is surely like a dream come true".
According to another medical staff, this new solution will improve health outcomes significantly, reduce maternal mortality, and improve infant survival. "This is undeniably the right contribution to what we want to see in Sierra Leone. I want to end by expressing my profound thanks and appreciation to Sierra Leone’s government for creating an enabling environment for Sierra Leone to benefit from this laudable project".
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