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Achieving universal electrification of rural healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa with decentralized renewable energy technologies

A potential response to the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with long-term benefits is to provide electricity for medical equipment in rural health centers and communities. This study identifies a large gap in the electrification of healthcare facilities in SSA, and it shows that decentralized photovoltaic systems can offer a clean, reliable, quick, and cost-effective solution.

Citation:
Moner-Girona M, Kakoulaki G, Falchetta G, Weiss DJ, Taylor N. Achieving universal electrification of rural healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa with decentralized renewable energy technologies. Joule. 2021;5(10):2687-714.

Keywords:
Accessibility; electricity access; health facilities; healthcare; sub-Saharan Africa; UN Sustainable Development Goals; solar power

Abstract:
A potential response to the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with long-term benefits is to provide electricity for medical equipment in rural health centers and communities. This study identifies a large gap in the electrification of healthcare facilities in SSA, and it shows that decentralized photovoltaic systems can offer a clean, reliable, quick, and cost-effective solution.