Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda Monday commissioned solar systems and solar refrigerators in 237 health facilities in 12 districts of the country.
Among other things, Energizing Development—with support from the German government through GIZ—has installed 193 solar-powered fridges for vaccine storage and 84 solar systems for lighting in health facilities.
The organisation implemented project, to the tune of 2.2 million euros, between 2022 and 2024.
Kandodo Chiponda commended the German government for its continued support to Malawi.
“We are always grateful for the support from the German government, which has been helping us for over 60 years now. We still need support because in most areas where we are constructing health facilities there is no electricity connected to the national grid. As such, we need development partners to also support us as we are constructing new health facilities,” she said.
Kandodo Chiponda called for the extension of the provision of solar systems to houses of healthcare workers as one way of improving their welfare.
“We need to take care of the houses in our health facilities. Most employees refuse to be transferred to rural areas because of the issue of electricity connection. As such, when putting solar systems in our health facilities, we need to extend the provision of the same to houses of our health workers,” she said.
On his part, Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola said the development was in line with the current administration’s plan of expanding electricity supply across the country.
“It is the wish of Dr Lazarus Chakwera to ensure that Malawians are reached with solar energy where Escom [Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi] is failing to reach people with electricity. Electricity is very important as energy is the driver of the country’s economy,” Matola said.
He further urged people in areas that have been reached to play a leading role in safeguarding the items.
“Community members need to safeguard the equipment. This will ensure that the community benefits from the equipment for a long time,” he said.
On her part, German Ambassador to Malawi Ute König pledged her government’s continued support to Malawi’s health sector.
“The German government remains dedicated to supporting the expansion of the health sector in Malawi,” König said.
Ming’ongo Health Centre facility in-charge Scolastica Nthala Chikwakwa said the provision of a solar system had improved service delivery at the facility.
“Lack of power has been a challenge for us, mostly during the night, and has had an impact in terms of the storage of drugs and vaccines. We are really grateful for the gesture,” Chikwakwa said.
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