TRIPOLI – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and partner NGO Renee Mouawad Foundation (RMF) installed solar-powered systems in Tripoli Governmental Hospital and Dr. Abdallah Al Rassi Governmental Hospital in Halba, enabling both hospitals to have continuous access to electricity. Power cuts in Lebanon have taken a toll on hospitals across the country, many of which are unable to provide sustained lifesaving and crucial services as a result of prolonged power outages.
UNHCR installed 835 solar panels producing 450 kilowatts per day at the Tripoli Governmental Hospital. Thanks to this intervention, the hospital now saves US$ 41,000 in fuel expenses per month, over 70% of incurred cost. For the largest hospital in the North, this support has ensured continuity of services to thousands of patients, the majority of whom are socio-economically vulnerable.
At the Halba Governmental Hospital, the only public hospital in the Akkar Governorate, UNHCR and RMF installed 550 solar panels that produce 300 kilowatts per day, helping the hospital save US$ 29,000 per month on fuel for generators, also over 70% of incurred cost.
“Electricity cuts are taking a toll on everyone. We are committed to support the overburdened healthcare system to continue to provide lifesaving interventions to people in Lebanon,” said Ioli Kimyaci, UNHCR Deputy Representative for Operations in Lebanon, during the handover of the project at the Tripoli Governmental Hospital today.
As part of its support to Lebanese communities, over the past years, UNHCR and partners, including UNDP, have innovated solutions to the chronic energy crisis through increasing access to sustainable solar-powered energy, providing electricity to primary health care centers, public hospitals and Water Establishment stations benefiting over a million persons in Lebanon, and supporting the operationality of already existing services in more than 100 municipalities across the country.
“Supporting Lebanon and its people is one of our priorities,” Ms. Kimyaci stressed, “at a time when Lebanon is facing its worst economic crisis in decades, it is our duty to stand by Lebanese and help ensure they have access to essential lifesaving services, including healthcare.”
For more information, please contact:
In Beirut, Lisa Abou Khaled, [email protected] +961 71 880 070
In Beirut, Dalal Harb, [email protected] + 961 70 113 107
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