In support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), USAID Global Development Alliance (GDA), in partnership with Orange Sierra Leone (OSL), has launched the health-Grid project to provide power supply to community health centres across the country.
It is part of the Sustainable Health Facility Electrification and Connectivity project in Sierra Leone.
The Healthgrid will install and support sustainable energy systems in twenty-six remote communities in the country.
As an implementing partner, OSL is supplying the technical ability for the installation of the PV systems and will also supply internet connectivity in the centres.
The energy systems will be based on solar/photovoltaic (“PV”) electricity generation equipment which will be sized to meet the needs of each of the health facilities ranging from 5 to 10kwh
OSL will also ensure long-term sustainability by setting up a technical support “hotline” for Healthgrid O&M building on its existing internet connectivity support hotline.
The project aims at increasing energy services in the twenty-six off-grid health centres in Sierra Leone to improve healthcare delivery, increase utilisation of internet services, improve information and data dissemination among others.
OSL will also Pilot and test eight water purification services in selected health centres to provide potable water for medical and community utilisation.
It is expected that the project will enable remote health centres to receive reliable supply of electricity, enabling healthcare workers to use critical equipment, access the internet and provide them and their patients with a reliable source of clean water.
The electricity produced by the PV systems will enable a cold chain for vaccine storage and distribution in the off-grid communities.
Host communities will receive help from improved public health outcomes, and from the opportunity to access surplus electricity, internet connectivity, and clean water.
In addition, combining these three services and closely developed relationships with communities will allow facilities to provide sustainable life-saving services such as seeing emergency patients at night, access to vaccines, information, and rapid coordination with other healthcare providers.
A fundamental goal of Health-Grid is to ensure that the installed equipment is supported and kept functional for the long term.
Towards this direction, Health-Grid will set up a sustainability fund to support ongoing O&M for
the installed systems will include cloud-based monitoring systems that will allow for real-time tracking of the equipment’s performance.
The monitoring systems will help OSL prevent and respond quickly to maintenance needs at each site.
The Implementation of HealthGrid Sierra Leone involves a robust coalition of partner organisations including
USAID Mission for Guinea and Sierra Leone as key financial resource providers for the GDA and co-creator of the HealthGrid Methodology.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is a key financial resource provider for the GDA as well as fundamental liaison support with the government of Sierra Leone and technical support to ensure that the installed systems meet the requirements for effective cold-chain systems.
OSL serves as the MNO responsible for obtaining and installing the energy and connectivity equipment and for long-term O&M support for all equipment (energy, connectivity, and WASH). OSL is also supplying considerable in-kind contributions of skilled labour, management, and equipment to enable the execution of the GDA.
With support of its affiliates in Sierra Leone, Regrow West Africa and Dalan Development Consultants is serving as the “Prime” for GDA and also a key financial resource provider.
World Vision leads Healthgrid interventions for the improvement of water supply, sanitation and hygiene services at the respective healthcare facilities.
MoHS, on behalf of government, selected the off-grid healthcare facilities which will be served by the GDA, and provide ongoing coordination support with all relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies.
List Of Beneficiary Facilities
1. Baoma CHC 2. Tikonko (Faabu) CHC
3. Bamoi CHP 4. Tobanda CHC
5. Blama Massaquoi CHC 6.Yormadu CHC
7. Bonthe District Cold Store
8. Buedu CHC
9.Dambala CHC
10. Fadugu CHC
11. Gambia CHC
12. Gbinty CHC
13. Heremakono CHC
14. Jaiama CHC
15. Kamalo CHC
16. Kambia District Cold Store
17. Kawula CHC
18. Koinadugu District Cold Store
20. Mamansosanka CHC
21. Mana II CHC
22. Markoma CHP
23. Massam CHC
24. Mayepoh CHP
Motuo
26. Rogbere Junction CHC
27. Talia CHC
For more information contact:
Fatmata Sarieu Zubairu- Transverse Project Lead – Orange Sierra Leone
Email: fatmata.zubairu@orange-sonatel.com
Cynthia Macaully, Project Management Specialist-Health- USAID Sierra Leone
Email: cmacaully@usaid.gov