The recent Clean Energy for Health Care Conference in Nairobi, Kenya sparked much-needed, cross-sector thinking around how to deliver energy to health facilities in resource-constrained environments. A resounding takeaway was that distributed solar power and energy efficient medical devices hold great potential for creating stronger and more resilient health systems in Africa and beyond.
Access to reliable electricity in health facilities is an important enabler of quality, essential health services for women, children, and families, and is necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal in both energy and health. Yet, it is estimated that tens of thousands of health facilities across low- and middle-income countries lack electricity and/or suffer from frequent and debilitating blackouts.
To help address this challenge, the United Nations Foundation began work in 2013 under the umbrella of the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative to build the evidence and knowledge for the United Nations and its partners to close the energy access gap for health facilities and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
In support of the effort to improve access to quality, essential health care through universal electrification of health facilities by 2030, this website serves as a resource for those interested in the nexus of energy and health care, with a focus on knowledge-sharing and advocacy for access to energy in the health sector.
Featured Video
Health Champions Stand up for Clean Energy
Doctors, midwives, nurses, and healthcare workers everywhere need access to reliable power to treat patients and save lives. Yet, it is estimated that tens of thousands of health facilities lack access to basic electricity. Solar energy offers an opportunity to reliably and sustainably power health care – from lighting a delivery room to refrigerating vaccines. That’s why health leaders everywhere are raising their voices: We can’t achieve universal health coverage without clean energy.
Hear from health and energy champions who attended the Clean Energy for Health Care conference in Nairobi, Kenya in April 2019.
On the Blog
OVO Foundation funds electrification projects in Kenya
May 14, 2019 | The OVO Foundation has announced that is expanding its energy access project in Kenya, electrifying over 300 schools and health clinics in the hardest-to-reach parts of Kenya.
Solar holds promise for remote health facilities, but key gaps remain
April 26, 2019 | DEVEX | An estimated 41% of health care facilities in low- and middle- income countries have reliable electricity. Stand-alone solar units are playing a key role in increasing access to electricity, but often lack proper funding for follow-up and maintenance after installation.
How Solar Power is Transforming Health Care in Uganda
March 28, 2019 | Powering Health Care electrified 36 clinics in Uganda. One year out, hear from mothers and midwives about how electricity is changing the way babies are brought into their world.
Lasting Impact: Sustainable Off-Grid Solar Delivery Models to Power Health and Education
This report helps decisionmakers design sound off-grid electrification projects for rural schools and health centers…
50 Breakthroughs: Critical Scientific and Technological Advances Needed for Sustainable Global Development
This study identified 50 breakthroughs which can make a substantial difference to the lives of the poor…
Access to Modern Energy Services for Health Facilities in Resource-Constrained Settings
This study is a joint effort by the World Health Organization (WHO), aimed at improving quality, safety and accessibility…