In a major step forward for Chad's healthcare system, solar-powered equipment for 23 provincial procurement pharmacies, 11 COVID-19 diagnostic sites and 2 laboratories were handed over today during a ceremony.  The donation, worth a total of FCFA 1,814,926,600, is designed to strengthen Chad's healthcare system by guaranteeing a continuous cold chain for medicines and vaccines.

This initiative aims to tackle the persistent issue of unreliable electricity, particularly in rural areas, which has long compromised the preservation of temperature-sensitive health products like vaccines and medicines.

This handover is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Chadian government, the Project Management Unit (PMU), the Sahel Women's Empowerment and Demographic Dividend (SWEDD) project, and the Health System Strengthening Programme (PRPSS). This partnership exemplifies the collective commitment to creating a more efficient and accessible healthcare system in Chad.

The newly donated solar equipment is expected to provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy, ensuring an uninterrupted cold chain for essential health products. This move is part of a broader effort by the Chadian government and its partners to fortify the national healthcare system.

The investment in solar energy is anticipated to enhance the effectiveness of treatments and vaccines, leading to better health outcomes for the Chadian population, especially the most vulnerable. It is hoped it will boost public confidence in the healthcare system by guaranteeing the quality and safety of delivered health products.

As Chad continues to face the dual pressures of healthcare needs and energy shortages, this initiative stands as a beacon of progress, ensuring that life-saving vaccines and medicines remain viable, thereby safeguarding the health of its people.