The Ministry of Health and Population says phase two of installing solar electricity in the country’s health facilities has so far seen nine facilities benefiting from the initiative.

Principal Secretary for the Ministry, Dr. Dan Namalika said that the Global Fund is supporting the initiative.

According to Dr. Namalika, two of the nine health facilities have received 50 kilowatts and another seven have five kilowatts of solar powered electricity.

“Christian Heath Association of Malawi (Cham) facilities such as Nkhoma hospital are among the beneficiaries and handover will be made soon,” Dr. Namalika said.

However, Namalika said other facilities will benefit through a grant from Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI).

Dr. Namalika says all regions across the country are targeted.

In 2017, ministry of health embarked on installation of solar power electricity with support from the Global Fund as part of its plan to develop healthcare infrastructure in Malawi.

The project aims to help save lives by addressing power disruptions in key hospital sections such as theatres, maternity wings, intensive care units and wards for under-five children.

During first phase, 85 health facilities across the country benefited from the initiative among them Bwaila Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Zomba Central Hospital and Mzuzu Central Hospital.

Each of facility was fitted with solar panels providing 100 Kilowatts of power used for lighting, heating water and air conditioning.