Mwanga Health Centre, located in Phalombe District, Malawi, provides essential medical services to the local community, treating over 28,552 patients annually. The facility offers maternity care, vaccinations, general treatment, and emergency response. However, unreliable electricity and water supply severely impacted healthcare delivery, particularly at night and in maternity services. The lack of a stable power source also affected the storage of medicines and vaccines, sanitation, and overall patient care.
Project summary
THE NEED
Before the solar power intervention, Mwanga Health Centre endured prolonged power outages, leading to frequent patient referrals and difficult conditions for nighttime medical care, especially in maternity services. The unreliable water supply further affected sanitation, hygiene, and patient comfort. A stable electricity and water supply was essential for efficient healthcare delivery, medicine and vaccine storage, and ensuring safe conditions for both staff and patients.
The solution
To address these challenges, a 17.84 kWp solar system with 40 kWh battery storage was installed. This system powers medical equipment, lighting, and a water pumping system that supplies clean water for sanitation and general use. The improved power supply has strengthened the health centre’s ability to operate efficiently, even during emergencies.
Impact
The solar power installation has transformed healthcare services at Mwanga Health Centre. Reliable electricity and water have reduced patient referrals and improved treatment capacity, ensuring 28,552 patients receive care annually. The facility remained operational during Cyclone Fred, continuing to provide critical medical services despite prolonged regional power outages. Additionally, during cholera outbreaks, the centre functioned effectively as a treatment facility, demonstrating increased resilience in handling health emergencies. The project contributes to SDGs 3, 6 and 7.
Impact story
Solar Power Brings Hope at Mwanga Health Centre
“We have managed to save money on electricity supplied by the national grid. The reduction in referrals, especially during the night, due to steady power from solar has been significant. Reliable water supply due to the continuation of power from solar has improved sanitation and patient comfort. Proper storage of vaccines and some drugs ensures better healthcare delivery. Security has…”