In Port Harcourt, reliable electricity has proven to be critical for effective primary health care delivery. In many parts of Nigeria, frequent power outages have long disrupted essential services, forcing health workers to rely on generators or improvised lighting during emergencies. These challenges have affected vaccine storage, delayed medical procedures, and compromised patient safety, particularly during night-time care.
At the Rumuigbo Primary Health Centre in Rivers State, staff previously struggled with unreliable power, often using phone lights or torches during childbirth and rushing vaccines to other facilities to prevent spoilage. Such conditions were common across the country, where a significant proportion of primary health centres lack stable electricity, putting both patients and healthcare workers at risk.
This situation began to improve in 2025 when the Federal Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization, introduced solar-powered energy systems in selected health centres in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. Each facility was equipped with solar panels and battery storage, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical services such as immunization, maternity care, and emergency treatment.
The impact of this intervention has been immediate and significant. Service disruptions have dropped sharply, enabling round-the-clock healthcare delivery. Vaccine storage has become more reliable, night-time medical services have improved, and operational costs related to fuel have decreased substantially. Additionally, the shift to clean energy has reduced carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Beyond improved infrastructure, the initiative has enhanced confidence among healthcare workers and increased trust within communities. Patients now feel safer seeking care, especially at night, while staff can perform their duties more effectively without the stress of power outages.
The project also demonstrates a scalable model for integrating clean energy into healthcare systems. With continued support and investment, expanding such solutions across Nigeria could strengthen health system resilience, improve service delivery, and address both healthcare and climate challenges simultaneously.
