Reducing the hospital’s environmental footprint
Prior to this upgrade, MSF-supported wards at Mudug Regional Hospital heavily relied on diesel generators, burning thousands of liters of fuel monthly. This dependence not only led to substantial operational costs but also contributed significantly to carbon emissions, undermining MSF’s broader environmental commitments and exacerbating local air pollution.
How the hybrid solar system works
- The newly installed hybrid solar grid-tied system markedly reduces operational costs and lowers carbon emissions.
- The system is designed to deliver reliable and uninterrupted energy to the hospital, enhancing the facility’s resilience against energy disruptions common with diesel-powered systems.
- The integration of internet-connected monitoring tools provides MSF staff with real-time data on energy use, system efficiency, and performance, facilitating proactive maintenance and ensuring sustainability.
The United Nations Development Program has identified Somalia as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change globally. The country is severely impacted by recurrent climate shocks such as prolonged droughts, severe floods, and rising temperatures. These environmental factors directly threaten health care provision by exacerbating public health challenges, including increased rates of malnutrition, outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera, and the heightened spread of vector-borne illnesses such as malaria.
“The climate crisis isn’t just an environmental issue—it directly impacts human health, particularly in vulnerable regions like Mudug,” explains Mohsin Rafiq, MSF project coordinator in Mudug. “With this solar initiative, we’re not only significantly cutting our carbon emissions but also ensuring a reliable and continuous health care services, especially during climate-induced emergencies.”
