The United States Government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in partnership with the Department of Defence HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), has handed over Green Energy Solar projects valued at over one million United States dollars to 42 health facilities under the Defense Force of Zambia.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Charles J. Nyirenda Hospital in Lusaka, United States Defense Attaché to Zambia, Lt. Col. Mathew Yan, emphasised that the newly installed solar systems will ensure Zambia military personnel and surrounding communities have uninterrupted access to medical care.
Lt. Col. Yan highlighted the significance of the solar energy initiative, stating that it will enhance healthcare delivery in various areas, including the fight against HIV and AIDS, maternity care, emergency services, and other critical health needs.

“Over the past two decades, the U.S. government, through DHAPP, has invested more than $265 million, saving more than 41,000 lives through antiretroviral treatment and partnering with 54 of the 80 defense medical facilities in Zambia. This collaboration has reached 500,000 healthcare beneficiaries, including active-duty military personnel, their families, and Zambian civilians,” he said.

Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Norman Chipakupaku expressed gratitude for the solar power backup system, noting its critical role in ensuring a continuous and reliable power supply to healthcare facilities, especially in remote and underserved areas. He emphasised that this intervention addresses the challenges posed by power shortages, which hinder the delivery of essential medical services.
Mr. Chipakupaku also expressed appreciation to the U.S. government for its generous support, stating his confidence that the solar power system will have a lasting positive impact on health outcomes across the country.

Meanwhile, CIDRZ Chief Medical Officer Dr Carolyn Bolton stated that the successful implementation of the solar backup system highlights the shared commitment of all stakeholders to enhance clinical care and service delivery.
“As we celebrate this achievement and more, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Defence Force Medical Services for their hospitality, guidance, and leadership. I also thank the United States Government, PEPFAR, and the Department of Defense for their visionary support and funding. Together, we are making a difference,” she said.

Charles J. Nyirenda Hospital Commandant, Brig. Gen. Dr. Perry Siachombe, noted that the hospital, like many others, has been severely impacted by the country’s erratic electricity supply, which has compromised its ability to provide uninterrupted healthcare services.
“We are deeply grateful for the support provided through the solar power project. Thanks to this initiative, the benefiting hospitals will be able to continue delivering essential health services to their communities without disruption,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Siachombe expressed his gratitude to the Government through the Ministry of Defence, the U.S. Government, DHAPP, and CIDRZ for their ongoing efforts to strengthen Zambia’s healthcare system. He also stressed the hospital’s commitment to maintaining the solar power system, ensuring its sustainability and long-term benefit to the facility and the surrounding community.