Matiya Health Center, established in 1966 in Chiongolera Village, Zomba East, Malawi. The center provides essential healthcare services to more than 49000beneficiaries across 118 villages. However, unreliable electricity has impacted healthcare delivery, especially in maternity care, emergency response, and medical operations.
Project summary
The need
The health center relied on national grid electricity, which is unreliable due to frequent blackouts, and a petrol generator, which is costly to operate and only used in emergencies. The lack of stable power disrupts maternity services, emergency care, and administrative operations. A sustainable electricity solution was essential to ensure efficient service delivery and better working conditions for healthcare workers.
The solution
To address these challenges, a 9 kWp solar power system with a 15 kWh battery was installed. This system provides stable electricity for medical equipment and lighting; reducing dependence on national grid and fuel-powered generators. It ensures that critical healthcare services run smoothly, operational efficiency, and healthcare outcomes.
Impact
With reliable electricity, medical staff can effectively use essential medical and administrative equipment, ensuring uninterrupted maternity and emergency care. Stable power supply has also reduced electricity costs, allowing the health center to reallocate savings toward purchasing medical supplies and drugs. This project directly contributes to SDGs 3 and SDG 7.
Impact story
Solar Brings Hope at Matiya
“This solar system is not just a technical solution; it is a lifeline for our community. We no longer have to turn patients away or refer emergency cases to another facility because of a power outage. We can now conduct safe deliveries at night, store life-saving vaccines without worry, and treat our patients with dignity. It has restored our confidence,…”