Lakka, Freetown | 6 July 2026
The Government of Sierra Leone has taken another significant step toward strengthening the country's healthcare system with the official commissioning and handover of solar-powered energy systems to five government hospital laboratories, ensuring reliable electricity for critical laboratory and public health services.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was officially launched during a handover ceremony held at Lakka Government Hospital. The event brought together senior government officials, development partners, healthcare workers, district representatives, and other stakeholders committed to building a resilient and sustainable health system.
The solarization project forms part of the People-Centered Sustainable Development and Resilience (PCSDR) Portfolio, funded by the Global Fund through the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM). Under the initiative, UNDP contracted Aptech Africa to design, supply, and install state-of-the-art solar inverter systems with lithium battery storage at government laboratories in Lakka, Port Loko, Bo, Kenema, and Makeni.
The newly installed systems will provide uninterrupted electricity to laboratories that play a vital role in disease surveillance, diagnostic testing, specimen preservation, vaccine cold chain management, and emergency public health response. Beyond improving the reliability of healthcare services, the installations will reduce operational costs, promote the use of clean and renewable energy, and enhance the resilience of Sierra Leone's health infrastructure against future public health emergencies.
Welcoming guests to the ceremony, Matron Alice Martha Karim expressed appreciation on behalf of the management and staff of Lakka Government Hospital for the support received from the government and its development partners.
"Today marks an important milestone for our hospital and the communities we serve. Reliable electricity is essential for quality laboratory services, and this investment will significantly strengthen our capacity to provide timely and accurate diagnostic services. We are sincerely grateful to the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency, UNDP, the Global Fund, and all our partners for making this possible."
Delivering remarks on behalf of UNDP, Country Representative Mr. Frederick Hans Ampiah reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting sustainable development through resilient health systems.
"UNDP is proud to partner with the Government of Sierra Leone in delivering sustainable solutions that improve lives and strengthen national resilience. Access to reliable, renewable energy is fundamental to effective healthcare delivery, particularly in laboratories where uninterrupted power can make the difference between timely diagnosis and delayed response. This investment reflects our continued commitment to advancing resilient health systems while promoting climate-smart infrastructure and sustainable development."
He further emphasized that dependable electricity remains a cornerstone of quality healthcare delivery, noting that the partnership between the government, development partners, and the private sector demonstrates what can be achieved through collective action.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honorable Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Charles Senesie, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to building a stronger and more resilient health system capable of responding effectively to emerging public health threats.
"The government remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that every health facility has the capacity to deliver quality services without interruption. Investments such as these are critical to improving laboratory services, strengthening disease surveillance, and enhancing our preparedness for future health emergencies. We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the Global Fund, UNDP, and all our implementing partners whose collaboration continues to transform healthcare delivery across Sierra Leone."
The ceremony featured the symbolic signing of handover certificates, followed by the official presentation of the solar inverter systems to representatives of the beneficiary laboratories. Guests later participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a guided tour of the newly installed solar facilities, witnessing firsthand the technology that will power essential laboratory operations.
The commissioning of these solar energy systems represents more than an infrastructure investment; it is a strategic commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through innovation, sustainability, and partnership. By ensuring reliable electricity for critical laboratory services, Sierra Leone is enhancing its capacity to detect and respond to disease outbreaks, protect public health, and deliver uninterrupted healthcare services to its citizens.
The Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with national and international partners to expand sustainable energy solutions across healthcare facilities nationwide, ensuring that every Sierra Leonean benefits from a resilient, modern, and efficient health system.