Solar for Improved Rural Health Systems

Solar Electricity and Chlorine Production for Improved Rural Health Systems

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Last edit made by Helen Mengs on 2024-05-07. This is a wiki, do not hesitate to update information by clicking on "Edit with form".

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Key Data

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Organisation

On Call Africa

Duration

March 2022 - June 2023

Project Description

The project targets three rural health facilities in Zambia. After an initial assessment of the individual centres, a plan is drafted on how to best use solar PV equipment to provide the centres with sustainable electricity. These installations enable the facilities to provide better quality of care through simple improvements such as: lighting for improved care in the evening; improved supply and storage of medicines and vaccines; and improved communication and reporting through IT equipment. In addition, the Kazungula District Health Office receives a solar-powered chlorine production system which can produce up to 2,400 litres of chlorine per month. 45 % of the chlorine produced is distributed to all 27 health facilities in Kazungula District, while 20 % are distributed among five communities particularly affected by diarrhoea for free. The chlorine production also serves as a form of income generation as the remaining 35 % of chlorine is sold to line ministries and lodges. This supports operations and maintenance costs of the solar installations as well as the work of Neighborhood Health Committees and the district health campaigns. Improving access to electricity helps the facilities to meet nationally identified standards and allows for WASH and health interventions that further enhance the functioning of the health system.

The project is the first of its kind focusing on chlorine production in rural regions in southern Zambia. The pilot project creates an evidence base for wider adoption of solar PV technology for rural healthcare facilities and chlorine production in Zambia. The newly created means of generating income through producing chlorine is an important innovative element. This improves the technical and financial sustainability of the installed solar PV systems significantly. Furthermore, it potentially allows the funds for more solar PV systems to be installed on rural health facilities.

GBE Component

Small Projects Fund

Categories

• Financing
• Community-based Approaches
• Energy Access
• Social Institutions

Factsheet

Location

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Country SPF

Zambia

Geographic coordinates of project site

17° 47' 16.04" S, 25° 16' 33.67" E

Latitude            Longitude

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• Solar Electricity and Chlorine Production for Improved Rural Health Systems

• Financing

• Community-based Approaches

• Energy Access
• Social Institutions