Written by: Fatima Younis
The healthcare sector in the city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is witnessing a qualitative transformation thanks to the "ECollectif" project, which aims to provide a sustainable supply of solar energy to medical facilities. This initiative comes as a radical solution to the challenges facing hospitals and clinics in providing continuous electricity service, which previously affected the quality of medical care provided to the population.
Supporting healthcare with sustainable energy
The "ECollectif" project was launched as a fruit of cooperation between the Canadian organization "Santé Monde" and the company "Ecosolaris" from the province of Quebec, with the support of the Ministry of Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This international alliance aims to equip health institutions with independent solar systems operating around the clock, ending total dependence on fuel-powered generators, which used to pose an additional financial burden on patients.
Tangible results for medical centers and the community
Since the beginning of the initiative in 2024 until 2026, solar energy systems have been installed in four health centers in Kinshasa. The availability of electricity has positively and directly reflected on the workflow; care rooms have become well-lit, and cooling and ventilation devices operate efficiently, ensuring the safety of medicines and vaccines. Medical staff at the "Minkaw" health center also pointed out that solar energy has contributed to improving neonatal incubator services and ensuring the stability of complex medical operations such as blood transfusions.
Enhancing local efficiency and capacity
The role of the project was not limited to the technical aspect only, but also included training and mentoring Congolese companies specialized in solar energy, to ensure the continuity of maintaining the systems and adapting them to local requirements. This integration has led to improving the working environment for medical personnel and raising the level of service for patients, in addition to supporting income-generating activities managed by women and developing water facilities, with funding from the government of Quebec within the international climate cooperation program that aligns with the 2030 Green Economy Plan.
