By SKS
In a landmark move toward sustainable healthcare, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, officially commissioned a state-of-the-art solar power facility at Connaught Hospital on Thursday, June 12, 2025. MThe new renewable energy system promises to enhance service delivery, reduce energy costs, and ensure 24-hour electricity for the hospital.
Addressing attendees, the Vice President emphasized the transformative impact of the project: “Reliable electricity is essential for quality healthcare. Since 2018, we’ve increased the health budget from 6% to 11% and recruited over 8,000 health workers. But the biggest challenge remains energy now, with this solar facility, we’re making significant progress.” He further highlighted the dramatic improvement in patient outcomes, noting that “the survival rate for premature babies has increased from 20% to 80%, thanks in part to better energy access.” He added, “This project could not have been possible without visionary leadership and strong partnerships, including support from the UK Government.”
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, praised the initiative as a tangible, people-centered transformation. “This is more than infrastructure; it’s a lifeline that empowers our healthcare workers to provide critical services,” he said. “Our commitment to equity in health is reinforced by projects like this. However, we still have work to do, as some facilities remain in darkness, and we aim to expand from 1,600 to 2,000 health facilities by 2030.”
The hospital’s Care Manager, Dr. I. M. Kapuwa, reported that the solar installation has significantly cut operational costs. “We used to spend 40% of our administrative budget on generators, but now that has reduced to 19%,” he explained. To safeguard the facility, a task force has been established to oversee maintenance and ensure long-term sustainability.
British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Josephine Gauld, commended the UK’s support: “Most major hospitals in Sierra Leone now have solar energy systems, which are vital for patient care. Reliable power saves lives, especially among vulnerable populations. We are proud to support this effort and encourage proper maintenance and expansion.”
Mohamed Absar Siddiqui, Project Manager of EmOne and lead contractor, reaffirmed the project’s significance: “Across all three phases, we’ve electrified 42 healthcare facilities, including 17 major hospitals and 25 Community Health Centers, all powered by renewable energy. Our largest system at Connaught Hospital features 760 kWp of solar capacity and 1.225 MWh of storage, with upgrades to the hospital transformer to ensure uninterrupted power.”
He highlighted the broader impact: “These systems will serve millions, powering critical medical equipment, vaccines, and daily healthcare needs, day and night. Importantly, we’ve trained hospital technicians and invested in local talent through our Women in STEM internship program, building capacity for sustainable operation.”
Sierra Leone’s energy and health development goals align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, which emphasizes ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
As the country continues to evolve its energy landscape, Siddiqui concluded, “What we are building today is more than infrastructure, it’s a foundation for a healthier, resilient, and sustainable future for Sierra Leone and beyond.”
