In a significant step towards sustainable development, the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre of the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) now has sustainable power solutions. This initiative aims to improve preparedness of PHIM, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical health services and surveillance data management systems.
The introduction of solar power is expected to mitigate the challenges posed by frequent power outages, thereby improving the overall health service delivery in the region. The investment was supported by the Norwegian Institute of Public health who has a long standing collaboration with PHIM focusing on strengthening public health infrastructure and disease surveillance systems in Malawi. The procurement process of the solar panels was supported by a technical team from the Ministry of Energy.
Dr. Trude Arnesen, a senior doctor at NIPH seconded to PHIM, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Reliable energy is crucial for the effective functioning of the emergency operating center. By providing solar power solutions, we aim to support PHIM in its mission to deliver quality health services to the people of Malawi.“
This project underscores the potential of renewable energy in transforming healthcare systems in developing countries.
How do you feel about this initiative? Do you think renewable energy could be a game-changer for other health sectors in Malawi as well?