WHO: This is how electricity shortage impacts healthcare delivery in Africa

Energy plays a critical role in the delivery of health services, yet it is often overlooked, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where only 28% of health facilities have access to reliable electricity. The lack of access to electricity poses a significant challenge for responding to health crises such as COVID-19. Dr. Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Health at the World Health Organization, emphasized the essential role of electricity in powering vital medical equipment like ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and vaccine storage. Additionally, electricity is crucial for diagnosis, emergency surgical services, lighting, water supply, and communication within healthcare facilities. Dr. Neira highlighted the urgent need for all healthcare facilities to have access to electricity, especially in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She stressed that clean energy sources are fundamental for the provision of healthcare services and the overall functioning of healthcare facilities. As the virus continues to spread, the issue of energy security becomes even more critical. One of the primary challenges in addressing the energy shortage in healthcare facilities is the lack of widespread access to reliable electricity. Approximately one billion people globally still lack access to healthcare facilities with reliable energy sources. Dr. Neira emphasized the importance of decentralizing energy services and implementing off-grid solutions, such as solar panels, to provide clean and reliable electricity to remote healthcare facilities. She noted that the declining costs of renewable energy technologies present a significant opportunity to improve energy access in underserved communities. Dr. Neira discussed the need for increased investments in renewable energy solutions for healthcare facilities in Africa. While there is growing awareness and support for off-grid energy solutions, more efforts are required to ensure financial sustainability and scalability of interventions in the solar sector. Aligning donors, investors, and partners to support the electrification of healthcare facilities is crucial in enhancing the quality of healthcare services and promoting sustainable development. In collaboration with various international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, the World Health Organization has initiated the Alliance for Energy and Health, a global platform that aims to improve access to clean energy for healthcare facilities. The alliance focuses on raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and promoting climate resilience in healthcare facilities. Dr. Neira emphasized that access to renewable energy is not only a cost-effective solution but also a fundamental human right that has the potential to significantly impact public health outcomes in Africa and beyond. Dr. Neira underscored the importance of prioritizing access to electricity as a basic service for healthcare facilities. She emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among donors, investors, and stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of renewable energy interventions. By investing in clean energy solutions and promoting energy access in healthcare settings, countries in Africa can enhance the resilience of their healthcare systems and improve the well-being of their populations.