South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The National Minister of Health has stated that solar power systems provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will ensure uninterrupted health services in facilities across South Sudan, enhancing reliability and patient care nationwide.
Yesterday, the UNDP handed over solar power systems to the National Ministry of Health to facilitate seamless coordination with state and county health departments.
Sarah Cleto Hassan Rial, the National Minister of Health, emphasised that the installation of solar power will guarantee the continuous delivery of health services in facilities across the country.
“The installation will ensure the ongoing operation of health information and disease surveillance systems, as well as uninterrupted communication and coordination with state and county health departments,” Rial remarked on Thursday during the ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters.
“This solar energy system is part of the Global Fund’s Solarization initiative, which has already provided clean, reliable energy to 23 health facilities across the country, including hospitals, county health offices, and the ministry headquarters,” she added.
Jane Alphonse, chairperson of the Country Coordinating Mechanism, expressed gratitude for the contributions of the UNDP-Global Fund programme in building sustainable health systems and urged the Ministry of Health to ensure the maintenance of the solar system.
Russel Armstrong, the UNDP Project Coordination Advisor, stated that the installation of the solar power system represents a significant step towards strengthening the healthcare system and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
“Today’s commissioning of the solar energy system for the Ministry of Health headquarters is more than just an energy upgrade; it is a strategic investment in health systems governance and resilience,” said Armstrong.
Armstrong noted that the Ministry of Health has demonstrated clear vision, with the Global Fund providing financial resources and the Ministry of Energy and Dams offering technical guidance in renewable energy integration.
“We are committed to ensuring that solar systems are maintained, local skills are developed, and that every investment leaves a lasting impact on the lives we aim to improve,” Armstrong stated.
“By ensuring uninterrupted operations, the solar system enhances the Ministry’s leadership and coordination capacity, as well as its ability to manage and support health services nationwide,” he concluded.
