The Government of Sierra Leone has brought clean and reliable solar energy to 18 of the country’s main teaching, referral, and district hospitals, marking a major step towards reliable health care delivery.
One of the biggest installations is at Connaught Government Hospital in Freetown, which now runs on a powerful 1.2 megawatt solar system.
Hospitals now powered by solar include Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), Ola During Children’s Hospital, Rokupa, Lakka, King Harman Road in the Western Area, Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, Kambia, Kabala, Port Loko, Pujehun, Bonthe, Masanga, Moyamba, and Magbruka.
In addition to these hospitals, nearly 300 Primary Health Units across the country are now using solar panels. This change means better lighting during surgeries, proper storage for vaccines, and care for newborns in Special Care Baby Units especially during the night or in areas where electricity has been unreliable.
The Ministry of Health, working with development partners, led the rollout, all under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.
With solar energy now in place across so many health facilities, health care delivery can continue even when power from the grid is unavailable.
