In a significant and transformative effort towards sustainability and improved healthcare delivery, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has successfully upgraded the solar energy system at the Mudug Regional Hospital in Galkayo, Somalia.
This initiative, launched in October 2024, includes a comprehensive overhaul of the hospital’s solar photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure. Key enhancements encompass the installation of advanced inverters, the addition of multiple solar panels to boost energy generation, and the deployment of state-of-the-art monitoring tools to ensure system efficiency.
This initiative is a vital part of MSF’s broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability across its operations. The project not only benefits the Galkayo community by providing reliable energy to healthcare facilities but also sets a definitive benchmark for similar sustainable projects throughout the region and across Somalia. By making the transition from diesel generators to renewable energy sources, MSF is addressing its environmental impact, contributing to reduced air pollution, and enhancing resilience against climate shocks that are increasingly threatening the region.
Before the upgrade, MSF-supported wards at Mudug Regional Hospital depended heavily on diesel generators, consuming thousands of litres of fuel monthly. This reliance not only led to exorbitant operational costs but also resulted in significant carbon emissions, which conflicted with MSF’s environmental commitments and exacerbated local air quality issues. Furthermore, the diesel generators were prone to breakdowns, leading to disruptions in critical healthcare services, particularly during emergencies.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) identifies Somalia as one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change globally. The nation faces severe challenges due to recurring climate shocks, including prolonged droughts, intense flooding, and increasing temperatures. These environmental factors directly threaten healthcare provision by exacerbating public health crises, leading to heightened rates of malnutrition, outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera, and the increased transmission of vector-borne illnesses such as malaria.
“The climate crisis is not merely an environmental problem—it has profound implications for human health, particularly in vulnerable regions like Mudug,” states Mohsin Rafiq, MSF’s project coordinator in Mudug, Somalia. “With this solar initiative, we are not only significantly cutting our carbon emissions but also ensuring that healthcare services remain reliable and continuous, especially during climate-related emergencies when they are needed most.”
The solar initiative at Mudug Regional Hospital stands as a testament to MSF’s ongoing commitment to tackling environmental challenges in Somalia. Expanding sustainable healthcare infrastructure throughout both northern and southern Galkayo and extending initiatives to other regions is critical, given the extreme vulnerability of Somalia to climate change, as highlighted by the UNDP. The shift away from diesel generators not only significantly reduces operational costs but also results in substantial mitigation of carbon emissions, setting a proactive standard for health facilities across the nation. This strategic approach ensures that sustainable energy solutions become integral to healthcare resilience, allowing MSF to effectively manage healthcare delivery during climate-induced emergencies.
The newly installed hybrid solar grid-tied system, rated at 60 60kW/30kW, dramatically lowers operational costs and reduces carbon emissions. This system is meticulously designed to deliver reliable and uninterrupted energy to the hospital, significantly enhancing the facility’s resilience against energy disruptions that often accompany diesel-powered systems. Additionally, the integration of internet-connected monitoring tools provides MSF staff with real-time data on energy consumption, system efficiency, and overall performance. This capability facilitates proactive maintenance, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the energy system for years to come.
Mohsin emphasises the pressing need for climate resilience in healthcare infrastructure: “The frequent and intense climate shocks that Somalia endures exacerbate pre-existing healthcare crises, leaving the most vulnerable communities even more exposed and at risk. Innovative renewable energy solutions, like the upgraded solar system in Galkayo, empower us to effectively tackle these challenges, allowing us to maintain essential medical services precisely when they are needed most.”
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