Installation of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems to Operate Health Facilities in Northern Aleppo

With the continuous influx of internally displaced people (IDPs) into Northern Aleppo, the Health sector has become even more fragile given that demand for already-scarce resources has increased. The intermittent availability of (high-cost) electricity in the area as well as only poses another challenge to the sector as it disrupts the provision of health services, thereby, putting lives at risk and exacerbating an already-fragile situation.

Through this project and in coordination with the implementing entity, the SRTF aims to support 30 health facilities in Northern Aleppo by enhancing their capacity to provide the necessary health services, thereby improving the sector overall. This will be done firstly, through the installation of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems in the facilities and the implementation of the necessary civil works. Secondly, through the provision of training sessions to the assigned focal points on the operation and maintenance of the systems.

The project is expected to:

• Promote Photovoltaic (PV) Systems to empower the health system in North West Syria.
• Strengthen the capacity of the sector and raise awareness among local councils, the Free Aleppo Health Directorate (FAHD), as well as key donors, about the importance of using renewable, safe energy and managing solar PV systems.
• Perform an impact study to show the effectiveness of the installation of the solar PV systems.

This will be done by implementing the following activities:

• Recruiting project and support staff, including a project coordinator, maintenance technicians and a site engineer officer.
• Installing solar energy systems in 29 health facilities, including 26 primary health care centres (PHCCs) and three hospitals, while rehabilitating the system in one other PHCC.
• Conducting bi-monthly visits to the facilities to ensure they are operating fully and as designed.
• Conducting a two-day introductory training course to at least 40 focal points and key stakeholders, on the operation and maintenance of the solar PV systems. Additionally, follow-up training sessions will be held closer to project completion to address any issues or concerns raised by focal points.

With a total budget of around EUR 1.4 million, this project is expected to benefit 462,150 individuals directly, over a period of 21 months, including six months for monitoring and evaluation. It is also expected to indirectly benefit over 968,000 individuals living in the areas where the facilities operate.

For more information on this project, please see:

The SRTF Approves Two New Solar Power Projects to Enhance Healthcare Services in Northeast and Northwest Syria

For more information on the SRTF visit:

http://www.srtfund.org

Media outlets may contact:

communications@srtfund.org