In a groundbreaking move to strengthen healthcare in remote areas, 300 healthcare facilities across Ethiopia will be powered by solar energy, benefiting an estimated 6.7 million people. The initiative, officially launched by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to boost vaccine storage capacity and improve healthcare services in underserved regions.
Backed by a US$ 35 million funding package from Gavi, the Health Facility Solar Electrification (HFSE) program will install solar systems at healthcare centers that are far from the national grid. The initiative is part of a larger effort to solar-power over 1,000 healthcare facilities across the country by December 2025, significantly enhancing Ethiopia’s health infrastructure and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The deployment of solar energy is expected to improve access to essential health services, including immunization, clean water, and maternal care. H.E. Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health, hailed the initiative, stating, “Today, we are powering health and hope across Ethiopia. With solar electrification, our health facilities will deliver reliable care, even in the most remote communities.”
Gavi’s Thabani Maphosa underscored the importance of solar energy in healthcare, calling it a vital component in providing quality services and building climate-resilient health systems. He added that the initiative offers a unique opportunity to enhance primary healthcare while promoting environmental sustainability.
The solar-powered health facilities will also benefit from Gavi’s Cold Chain Equipment Optimisation Platform (CCEOP), which will support the storage of vaccines and other medical supplies. Dr. Aboubacar Kampo, UNICEF’s Representative in Ethiopia, emphasized that this project will strengthen services for mothers and infants, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
With the HFSE initiative in place, Ethiopia is poised to improve healthcare outcomes for millions while making strides toward a greener, more sustainable future.