Lesotho

Summary

Eager to replicate the successful health care model implemented in Rwanda, in 2007 Partners In Health launched a new initiative to provide modern medical care to the people of Lesotho. Due to the remoteness of the region, PIH has chosen the solar path again and is partnering with SELF to solar electrify a network of ten community health clinics. SELF will once again use the hybrid solar PV/diesel generator system which will provide 90% or more of their power from the sun, with diesel generators for back-up during prolonged heavy usage, or in periods of rain.

Background

Lesotho – a small, mountainous nation of 2 million people located entirely within the borders of South Africa – suffers from the third highest rate of HIV infection and the fourth highest rate of Tuberculosis in the world. Almost one-quarter of the adult population is estimated to be HIV-positive and life expectancy has plummeted to less than 35 years. Of the 2 million people living in Lesotho, only 10% live in the capital. The remainder live in the lowlands, or the remote mountain regions largely inaccessible, and home to a significant population of persons with HIV infection. These regions, unlike the lowlands, lack access to even the most basic health care services.

Objectives

At the request of Partners In Health, SELF has once again joined forces with Dr. Paul Farmer to bring the benefits of solar electricity to these 10 rural health clinics in Lesotho. Having completed the solar electrification of 4 of the 10 clinics in March 2008, SELF seeks to raise funds for the next 6 sites. Once these are complete, PIH will have the electrical energy necessary to power medical equipment, diagnose and treat HIV and TB patients, provide critical lighting, and communications/IT connectivity.

Solution

The solar/diesel hybrid systems already installed in PIH’s four clinics in Lesotho have proven to be successful in providing the vital energy needed to operate a functional clinic. As SELF raises additional funds for the remaining six clinics, PIH will have a sustainable source of electricity to power electric lights, refrigeration for vaccines and anti-venom serum, and medical devices.

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