Up to 480 patients per month confined at rural health units in Romblon will benefit from solar panels that have been donated by the United States government, the European Union (EU) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to their local government.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID), EU and WHO recently joined hands to be able to come up with solar panels to be given to health units in the province frequently affected by power outages.
"A reliable electricity supply is not just a convenience—it is essential for health security," USAID Philippines Health Office Director Andrea Halverson said in a recorded message.
"It’s about ensuring that vital services remain uninterrupted, especially in times of crisis," he added.
The solar panels will allow rural units to have access to a consistent power supply, which will ensure the safe storage of vaccines and other life-saving medicines, safer childbirth at night and during disasters, powered and better sterilized medical equipment, availability of hot water, and less risk of damage to medical devices.
"With our support and commitment of the local government units, the operation, expansion, and maintenance of these facilities are now in good hands," Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines, said.
This donation is part of a partnership among USAID, EU, and WHO to strengthen the Philippines’ capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.