Around 600 million people in Africa live without a secure power supply. That is more than 40 per cent of the continent's entire population. The lack of energy availability has serious consequences in many areas of life, which could become even worse in the coming years due to the predicted population growth. These consequences are particularly serious when it comes to medical care. Misereor is drawing attention to this in view of World Health Day on 7 April.
In countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Somalia, Misereor is supporting healthcare facilities in the construction of photovoltaic systems and the training of solar technicians through local partner organisations. Renate Leyens, country manager for Congo at Misereor, describes the precarious situation: "In the Democratic Republic of Congo, only nine per cent of the approximately 105 million inhabitants have access to the public electricity grid. This means that even in hospitals, light can often only be generated using candles, paraffin lamps, torches or diesel generators. This causes enormous problems for the admission of patients, diagnosis and many medical treatments, but especially for operations and deliveries."
Little can be expected from the state
Massive disruptions would also result from the lack of functionality of technical equipment such as ultrasound and X-ray machines as well as operating theatre lamps, but especially refrigerators in which, for example, vaccines or blood reserves have to be stored. "As public services in the Congo are inadequate, the help of our partner organisations is of great importance in such a situation," emphasises Leyens. Misereor has already supported more than 100 photovoltaic systems including battery storage worth between 30 and 50,000 euros each in six Congolese dioceses. This has led to a significant improvement in medical care, as well as positive effects in terms of safety, hygiene and the use of communication technologies such as mobile phones, PCs and the internet. The reduced use of diesel generators has reduced the environmental impact of healthcare facilities and helped to cut costs. The photovoltaic projects supported by Misereor have had a similar effect in Zambia and Somalia, where they can also help to reduce high rates of maternal and infant mortality. Ultimately, such successful pilot projects should also encourage countries to take similar action and fulfil their duty to the population.
Diagnosis must not be a game of chance
Misereor expert Renate Leyens is delighted with the sustainable and forward-looking success of the use of renewable energy in the healthcare sector in African countries, but urges further support. After all, every person has a right to a dignified life and health. "We must do everything we can to ensure that torches no longer have to be used for emergency operations at night. And it must no longer be the case that medical instruments have to be boiled in water over burning charcoal. Without electrical laboratory equipment, the diagnosis of many diseases becomes a game of chance."
