PURPOSE
The Kijanisha Afya programme is a comprehensive initiative that addresses the interconnected issues of energy, climate action, gender equality, and health. It aims to promote sustainability by implementing eco-friendly practices that enhance climate mitigation and resilience of primary health facilities in underserved communities of Dodoma and Kigoma regions. In its initial phase, the programme focuses on two districts from each region – namely Chemba and Mpwapwa in Dodoma, and Buhigwe and Kasulu in Kigoma, with the intention to extend to four additional districts, which are: Kondoa and Kongwa in Dodoma, and Uvinza and Kibondo in Kigoma. Future expansion into these additional districts will be contingent upon securing adequate funding.
The programme also improves effectiveness in delivering primary health care services in these regions. It does this by supporting the installation of solar panels as a source of power in primary health centres alongside the deployment of energy-efficiency and solar-powered appliances. These interventions are complemented by enhancing the capacity of medical practitioners and communities on sustainable and productive use of energy for climate mitigation and adaptation.
GOAL
The Kijanisha Afya programme aims to establish a sustainable healthcare infrastructure that effectively reduces its environmental impact through climate mitigation interventions while enhancing resilience to climate change-related challenges through adaptation measures. The programme also aims to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, promote social economic growth, and improve overall well-being within the communities.
BENEFICIARIES
The programme primarily benefits women, girls and vulnerable communities to impacts of climate change and underserved with primary health services. It also targets healthcare facilities, medical practitioners, and local technicians. During the pilot phase:
- It is expected to directly impact over 150,000 community members in the Dodoma and Kigoma regions. These communities will witness the advantages of climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as improved healthcare services.
- Between16-20 health centers will receive upgrades through the programme’s support, including the installation of solar PV systems and solar-powered medical equipment to ensure reliable healthcare provision.
The initiative targets empowering 90 medical personnel (doctors, nurses, support staff) and 30 local technicians to enhance the skills and capabilities.
INNOVATION
While many institutions have previously installed solar systems, these systems often become obsolete due to inadequate sustainability planning. ELICO’s main goal is to streamline the integration of public and private funding for healthcare electrification, focusing on sustainability. To achieve this, ELICO creates and enforces innovative frameworks within the Kijanisha Afya programme to ensure the efficient operation of solar systems in healthcare facilities, maximizing their benefits. A crucial aspect of ELICO’s strategy involves implementing remote monitoring systems, prepaid power systems and generating excess electricity to support additional economic activities like charging electric motorcycles, cargo bicycles, or powering water pumps. By combining these initiatives, ELICO aims to cover the maintenance and operational costs of these systems, ultimately enhancing their sustainability.
