Electrifying Healthcare In Mali: How Renewable Energy Is Powering Better Health Outcomes – IRENA Report

Mali has been facing a longstanding challenge in providing reliable healthcare services in rural and remote areas due to the absence of dependable electricity. A recent study highlights how the electrification of healthcare facilities through renewable energy is proving to be a turning point for the country’s health sector. Many healthcare centres in Mali have been unable to deliver basic and emergency services because of frequent power shortages, lack of proper lighting, and inadequate refrigeration for medicines and vaccines. This has been a major barrier to improving health outcomes, especially for women and children. The report points out that the integration of renewable energy into health systems not only addresses these energy gaps but is also creating a resilient, sustainable, and more inclusive healthcare infrastructure.

The study explains that access to electricity remains a pressing challenge in Mali, with rural healthcare facilities often left behind in the development process. Renewable energy solutions, particularly solar PV systems, are being deployed to power medical equipment, lighting, vaccine storage, and digital health tools. This transformation is improving maternal care, reducing child mortality, and enabling healthcare workers to provide round-the-clock services. The study underlines that these interventions are not temporary fixes but long-term solutions that strengthen the health system’s ability to adapt to future shocks, including climate-related impacts and public health emergencies.

The report also emphasizes the strong link between energy access and the delivery of essential health services. Electrification has enabled better diagnostic services, timely treatment, and improved working conditions for healthcare providers. For example, midwives can now safely assist in childbirth at night with proper lighting, and vaccines can be stored at required temperatures to ensure their effectiveness. Furthermore, renewable energy has reduced dependency on diesel generators, lowering operational costs and cutting carbon emissions, which aligns with Mali’s climate and sustainability goals.

According to the findings, the success of renewable energy in powering healthcare facilities is not just about technology but also about partnerships and capacity building. Local communities have been involved in the design and management of electrification projects, ensuring that solutions are tailored to their specific needs. Training programs have been conducted to equip healthcare staff and local technicians with the knowledge to operate and maintain renewable energy systems. This participatory approach has enhanced ownership and long-term sustainability of the projects.

The report stresses that renewable energy-powered healthcare is a practical pathway for Mali to achieve universal health coverage and improve resilience. It highlights that while significant progress has been made, scaling up these efforts is essential to cover more facilities across the country. Continued investment, policy support, and international cooperation will play a key role in achieving this goal. The study calls for stronger collaboration between the energy and health sectors to ensure that electrification initiatives align with healthcare priorities and reach the most underserved populations.

The report makes it clear that electrification through renewable energy is not only transforming healthcare in Mali but also setting an example for other countries facing similar challenges. By bridging the gap between energy access and health services, Mali is taking meaningful steps toward better healthcare delivery, social equity, and sustainable development.