Reliable electricity is fundamental to quality healthcare, yet many rural clinics across sub-Saharan Africa continue to operate with little or no dependable power. Without electricity, health workers are often unable to refrigerate vaccines and medicines, conduct laboratory tests, safely deliver babies after dark, or communicate during medical emergencies. Patients may travel long distances to reach a clinic only to find essential services unavailable because of power outages or a complete lack of electricity.

To help address this challenge, SELF partnered with the United Nations Foundation to bring reliable solar electricity to 62 rural health centers in Uganda and Ghana. Together, the initiative saw the installation of 242 kilowatts of solar generating capacity, providing clinics with clean, dependable power tailored to their medical needs.

The systems support a wide range of essential healthcare services. Reliable electricity powers lighting for nighttime examinations and emergency procedures. Vaccine refrigerators preserve lifesaving immunizations. Laboratory and diagnostic equipment, communications systems, computers, and other medical technologies improve patient care. By replacing expensive and unreliable diesel generators, the systems also reduce operating costs and enable clinics to devote more of their limited resources to serving patients.

Beyond installation, SELF worked closely with local health officials and clinic staff to ensure the systems would continue delivering benefits long into the future. Health center managers received training in system operation and maintenance, while the systems were designed specifically for the needs and conditions of each facility.

This initiative demonstrated how renewable energy can strengthen healthcare infrastructure while improving health outcomes in underserved communities. The project helped establish a model for sustainable rural healthcare electrification that SELF has continued to build upon through subsequent partnerships, including its work with the World Health Organization and ministries of health to advance solar-powered healthcare systems across Africa.