Sukasanje Health Center, located in Mulelemba Village, Phalombe East, Malawi, serves over 35,000 people from surrounding villages. The facility was previously connected to ESCOM, but Cyclone Freddy damaged the power supply, leaving the center without electricity. This has severely affected medical testing, sterilization, vaccine storage, and healthcare administration. A reliable solar power system was necessary to restore essential services and improve healthcare delivery.
Project summary
The need
The lack of electricity affected operations of the heath center. TB testing was no longer conducted on-site, forcing patients to travel over 20 kilometres to the District Hospital. Over 100 infants per month were missing HIV exposure testing due to a non-functional Pima Machine. Sterilization was done using charcoal, increasing infection risks, and vaccines were transported over 10 kilometres for cold storage. More than 50 patient records were handled manually daily, creating inefficiencies and delays.
The solution
A 8.1 kWp solar power system with 20 kWh lithium battery storage has restored stable electricity. It powers essential medical equipment such as the Pima Machine, microscopes, sterilizers, and a vaccine fridge. The digital record-keeping and lighting have been improved, ensuring safer, more efficient healthcare service delivery.
Impact
The solar installation enables on-site testing for TB and HIV. It improves sterilization practices, increase vaccine coverage and reduces child mortality. Administrative efficiency has improved and working conditions for health staff enhanced.
Overall, the project will improve healthcare access for over 35,000 people and contributes to SDGs 3 and 7.
Impact story
Solar Restores Healthcare Services at Sukasanje
“Before the solar installation, our biggest challenge was ensuring reliable power for medical procedures and vaccine storage. Now, we can conduct tests on-site, store vaccines safely, and improve overall healthcare delivery. This has brought relief to both staff and patients. Maternal and emergency care services are now safer, and our health workers can fully concentrate on patient care without the…”