In Somalia, where more than 360 days of sunlight grace the skies each year, renewable energy is becoming a lifesaving force in the health sector. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), solar energy is now powering healthcare facilities across the country.
This shift is transforming everything from vaccine preservation to emergency services, in a nation where only 28% of health facilities have reliable electricity.
Expanding Solar Power in Healthcare Facilities
The Somali government, supported by global development partners, is scaling up the use of solar-powered systems in health centers.
This solarification initiative is central to improving disease surveillance, vaccine storage, diagnostics, and around-the-clock medical services. Facilities like Weri Health Center are leading examples of how solar energy is delivering real change.
“Electricity is crucial,” one healthcare worker at Weri noted. “We operate 24 hours a day, and frequent blackouts used to force us to work with torches. That’s why we’re requesting a fully solar-powered system.” In this region, solar energy isn’t just about environmental sustainability, it’s about survival.
Reliable Cold Chain for Vaccines
Since 2018, many vaccine storage facilities in Somalia have relied on uninterrupted solar power, eliminating their dependence on expensive and unreliable grid electricity. This is especially critical for maintaining the cold chain required for storing vaccines for diseases like measles and polio.
Conventional electricity systems are often subject to outages and technical faults, which can ruin vaccines and damage cold storage equipment. “Electrical faults have damaged vaccines before,” said one facility manager. “Maintenance costs are high, and power cuts disrupt everything. But with solar, we have reliability.”
Cost Savings Redirected to Health Service
The economic benefits of switching to solar energy are also substantial. Health workers report that solar systems significantly reduce monthly utility costs freeing up financial resources for other pressing health needs. Facilities that once spent hundreds of dollars on electricity now reinvest those savings into medications, diagnostic tools, and staff training.
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“Solar is much more cost-effective,” a health worker shared. “With a full solar setup, we can reallocate funds to more critical areas in healthcare.”
Government and International Partnerships Fuel Growth
Somalia’s health sector is receiving broad support from global partners in its transition to renewable energy. UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank are working closely with the Somali government to expand energy access. The World Health Organization recently announced that only 28% of health facilities in Somalia currently enjoy reliable electricity making this transition to solar both urgent and impactful.
Through the Somalia Electricity Sector Recovery Project, the government aims to expand clean, affordable energy while rebuilding the country’s fragile national grid. UNICEF is also planning to solarize at least 25 additional health facilities under the “Better Life” initiative. These investments will significantly reduce the country’s dependency on fossil fuels and outdated electrical infrastructure.
Solar Energy as a Foundation for Public Health Infrastructure
The integration of solar energy in Somalia’s healthcare system extends far beyond power supply. Reliable electricity has enabled the real-time tracking of infectious diseases and improved diagnostic capacity for highly contagious illnesses like polio and measles. These improvements are vital in a country that faces frequent outbreaks and health emergencies.
Laboratory capacity is also being strengthened as consistent power enables more advanced testing procedures. Health professionals can now operate equipment that would previously have been damaged by power surges or rendered useless during blackouts.
Building a Resilient Future for Somalia’s Health Sector
While the current numbers remain low, just over a quarter of health facilities with stable electricity the trend is shifting. Renewable energy solutions are positioning Somalia to build a more resilient and efficient healthcare infrastructure. Solar energy is not merely an alternative power source, it is foundational to ensuring the country’s health systems can respond effectively to crises and provide basic services.
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The move toward solar aligns with broader global efforts to decarbonize energy systems and improve access to essential services in underserved regions. As Somalia rebuilds after decades of conflict and instability, innovations like decentralized solar power offer a blueprint for sustainable recovery.
Challenges Remain, But Momentum Builds
Despite this progress, numerous challenges remain. Initial installation costs, logistical difficulties in rural areas, and ongoing maintenance requirements all present barriers to expansion. Additionally, political instability and security concerns in some regions may delay implementation.
However, the consistent support from international agencies and the government’s clear commitment to clean energy offer hope. The scalability of solar solutions and the country’s abundant sunshine provide the perfect conditions for a rapid and transformative energy transition in the health sector.
