Sharon Masocha
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Global Fund, has installed solar units at 1 044 health facilities, achieving a cumulative capacity of 11 megawatts.
Speaking at the launch of the 450-kilowatt solar unit at the National Pharmaceutical Company of Zimbabwe (Natpharm) in Harare today, Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora emphasised the importance of reliable power in the health sector.
“Our collaboration journey in this initiative began in 2016, and since then we have successfully installed solar units in 1 044 health facilities, achieving a cumulative capacity of 11 megawatts.
“This monumental investment has transformed these facilities into self-sufficient entities, particularly in areas such as maternity, laboratory services, and pharmacy and health information systems.
“With reliable solar energy, our health facilities can maintain continuous operations, ensuring that essential services are available, even during power outages,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said the solar systems have improved access to quality health care for the citizens, thereby bringing Zimbabwe closer to achieving universal health coverage.
“This solar system can generate approximately 450kw, which is sufficient to meet the warehouse power requirements and even feed excess energy back into the national grid,” he said.
