Ministry of Health Commissions 150kva Solar Power System for Expanded Programme on Immunization Cold Storage

By: Saidu Jalloh

On August 12, 2025, the Ministry of Health, led by Dr. Austin Demby, officially commissioned a 150 KVA solar power system at the Sierra Leone Medical Store in Freetown. This significant development is aimed at strengthening the country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and enhancing cold chain capacity for the storage of life-saving vaccines.

Dr. Demby expressed his gratitude to GAVI and UNICEF for their crucial support in ensuring the EPI cold store is powered by solar energy, which is essential for maintaining vaccines at the correct temperature. He also commended the organizations for providing the necessary equipment to facilitate vaccine transportation to remote areas.

“Three hundred motorbikes, eight four-wheel-drive vehicles, 100 solar-powered refrigerators with spare parts, and AEFI kits have been provided to ensure vaccines can be transported safely to the provinces. Additionally, we have one 15-seater bus and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado,” Dr. Demby added.

The Minister emphasized the goal of achieving “zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable infant deaths, and zero-dose children.” He reassured the public that every effort being made is aimed at ensuring no pregnant woman in Sierra Leone suffers or dies from preventable diseases.

Dr. Demby further explained that the solar-powered cold storage system would significantly improve the healthcare system by ensuring that vaccines are stored in optimal conditions, maintaining the necessary temperature and environmental settings for their effectiveness. “These tools are crucial because we cannot allow vaccines to spoil due to power outages. These measures are about more than just funding; they are about ensuring the success of our health programs,” he said.

He also stressed that it is not enough to store vaccines in Freetown alone. Efforts are underway to distribute vaccines to other regions such as Makeni, Kenema, and Port Loko to reach babies across the country. He noted that the vehicles provided were not for luxury but for service delivery. Additionally, the solarization of all cold storage facilities in the provinces is key to ensuring vaccines are stored under the right conditions before use.

Dr. Desmond Kangbai, who led the project, shared that the journey began in 2023 under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). The team submitted a grant application for $9.3 million to support the country’s cold chain infrastructure. Dr. Kangbai remarked that their investments in the health sector have been significant, and the commissioning of the 150 KVA solar power system will allow for better storage and use of vaccines and medicines.

“In 2022, our cold chain capacity was at 54%. Today, it stands at 90%, and with this new system, we will achieve 100% cold chain capacity nationwide,” Dr. Kangbai added. He also highlighted that GAVI had authorized the purchase of a motorized boat for riverine communities, as well as strengthened referral systems in places like Bonthe and Kambia. The solarization project will cover all 16 districts, with each facility receiving at least a 25 KVA solar power system, including Primary Health Units (PHUs).

UNICEF Country Representative Rudolf Schwenk noted that the total funding for the project amounted to $2.5 million to enhance the cold chain system, including distribution and monitoring. He emphasized that this achievement is a result of strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and GAVI.

“This partnership continues to strengthen the vaccine supply chain and ensures that high-potency vaccines reach even the most remote communities,” Schwenk said. He also confirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the registration, licensing, and delivery of motorbikes to District Health Management Teams across the country.

Schwenk concluded by urging the proper management and maintenance of the equipment, ensuring that these resources continue to function effectively for years to come.