The Mateliona Betafo basic health center in Madagascar has undergone a significant transformation with the installation of solar kits, ending years of operating without electricity. This development is part of the World Bank-supported Least-Cost Electricity Access Development (LEAD) Project, which aims to electrify 500 rural health centers across the country.
Midwife Lovatiana Rasoarinjanahary recalls the challenges faced before the installation: “It was very stressful when the deliveries took place at night. We had no electricity and did everything in the dark.” Since June 2024, these difficulties have been alleviated with solar-powered lighting now available throughout the facility.
Patient Lydia Rasoanandrasana shared her improved experience during childbirth at the center: “This time, it was really good because we had light. For the birth of my first daughter, it was in the dark, and we had to spend money to buy candles.”
The LEAD Project addresses a critical public health issue in Madagascar by providing off-grid solar solutions to non-electrified rural health centers. Tsiry Andriantahiana, LEAD Project Task Team Leader for the World Bank, stated that this initiative is "making a direct contribution to increasing the quality of health services available to the most vulnerable sections of the population."
Barnia Raherinantenaina from Madagascar's Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons highlighted that these centers were prioritized due to their isolation and significance to vulnerable populations. The project also supports network extension and densification while promoting off-grid solar technology market expansion.
The improvements are evident as healthcare workers like Lovatiana can now perform duties without inadequate lighting stress. “Our patients feel safer, and the quality of care has improved dramatically,” she said.
Reliable lighting enables better medical procedures and vaccine preservation, reducing costs for patients who previously needed candles. Lydia noted that having light during delivery creates a more comfortable environment.
The success of this initiative underscores solar energy's potential to enhance healthcare quality in rural areas.