How Solar Electricity Transformed Care at a Remote Zimbabwean Clinic

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In the heart of Zimbabwe’s Manicaland Province, the Hakwata Clinic in Chipinge has long faced the daunting challenges of providing healthcare in a remote, off-grid setting.

For decades, the clinic relied on candles, gas-powered fridges, and limited solar power, which often proved inadequate. However, the installation of a 200kW solar mini-grid has revolutionized healthcare delivery at this clinic, offering a beacon of hope for the local community.

Sona Solar Zimbabwe delves into the transformative impact of solar electricity on the Hakwata Clinic, highlighting the improvements in healthcare services, operational efficiency, and the overall well-being of both patients and healthcare workers.

The Pre-Solar Era: Challenges and Limitations

Before the advent of the solar mini-grid, the Hakwata Clinic operated under precarious conditions. Tebitha Moyo, a nurse-aide with 32 years of service, recalls the early 2000s when vaccines had to be fetched from Checheche, 32 kilometers away, due to the lack of electricity at the clinic. This logistical hurdle significantly hampered vaccination efforts and posed a constant threat to the cold chain, essential for maintaining the efficacy of vaccines.

Nighttime operations were particularly challenging, with clinic staff relying on candles and torches to light up the maternity ward and treatment rooms. Gas-powered fridges, though an improvement, were unreliable and struggled to maintain the required temperatures, especially during cloudy days and the rainy season. This setup not only compromised the quality of healthcare but also made the clinic an unattractive workplace for many health professionals.

The Solar Revolution: A New Era for Hakwata Clinic

The installation of a 200kW solar mini-grid, facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency and funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has been a game-changer for the Hakwata Clinic. This solar system, comprising 416 solar panels, three inverters, and lithium batteries with a lifespan of up to 15 years, provides uninterrupted electricity to the clinic.

Reliable Power: The Backbone of Modern Healthcare

The solar mini-grid has ensured that the clinic’s vaccine fridges operate continuously, maintaining the cold chain and enabling the clinic to store vaccines on-site. This has significantly expanded the reach of vaccination programs, allowing the clinic to conduct outreach programs and deliver vaccines to remote communities. The reliable refrigeration has also improved the storage of medicines, ensuring their potency and effectiveness.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

With solar power, the clinic can now use laptops and tablets to capture and transmit patient data, a task that was previously impossible due to the lack of electricity. This digital transformation has streamlined record-keeping, improved data accuracy, and facilitated real-time monitoring of health programs. The ability to charge electronic devices has also enhanced the overall efficiency of the clinic, allowing health workers to perform their duties more effectively.

Improved Working Conditions and Staff Morale

The introduction of solar power has not only improved the working conditions but also boosted the morale of healthcare workers. The clinic’s staff quarters are now connected to the solar grid, providing electricity for their homes. This has made the clinic a more attractive workplace, encouraging health professionals to take up positions in this remote area. Joyce Mayanga, another nurse-aide, notes that the electricity has improved their welfare, allowing their children to watch television and enjoy amenities similar to those in urban areas.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The use of solar power has also brought significant economic benefits. By reducing reliance on diesel generators, the clinic has saved substantial amounts on fuel costs. According to UNDP, health facilities using solar power can save up to 40% on their energy expenses, which can be reinvested into other priority health programs. Additionally, the solar systems contribute to broader efficiency gains in procurement and supply management, further optimizing healthcare resources.

Building Resilient Health Systems

Solar power is crucial in building resilient health systems, especially in regions prone to power outages. In Zimbabwe, where load-shedding is a common issue due to water shortages at Lake Kariba, solar-powered health facilities remain operational even when the main grid fails. This ensures continuous healthcare services, including the maintenance of cold chains, operation of medical equipment, and reliable data management.

Expanding Access to Healthcare

The Solar for Health initiative, supported by UNDP and the Global Fund, has equipped over 1,053 clinics across Zimbabwe with solar systems, covering approximately 58% of the country’s health facilities. This initiative has been instrumental in improving access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment and ensuring the refrigeration of vaccines and medicines. In larger cities like Mutare, Bulawayo, and Masvingo, significant solar installations have been made at provincial warehouses and major hospitals, further enhancing the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Community Impact and Health Outcomes

The impact of solar power on health outcomes at Hakwata Clinic is palpable. The reliable storage of vaccines has led to an increase in vaccination rates among children. Outreach programs have become more effective, reaching a wider pool of communities each month. The clinic’s ability to provide consistent healthcare services has instilled hope and confidence in the local community, encouraging more people to seek medical care when needed.

How Solar Electricity Transformed Care at a Remote Zimbabwean Clinic

The transformation at Hakwata Clinic is a testament to the power of solar electricity in revolutionizing healthcare in remote and off-grid settings. From ensuring the integrity of the cold chain to enhancing operational efficiency and staff morale, solar power has been a game-changer. As Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we are committed to replicating this success across other remote clinics, leveraging solar energy to bridge the gap in healthcare access and quality. 

Our mission is to illuminate the path to better health outcomes, one solar panel at a time.

Named after the Gaelic term (Old Irish Word) Sonas - for Good Fortune (Prosperity and Happiness) - Sona Solar Zimbabwe is committed to bringing Prosperity and Happiness to its customers through Solar Solutions in Zimbabwe. We deliver turn-key energy efficient solutions to meet client energy and budgetary needs and reduce environmental impact.

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