Mali’s health sector faces significant challenges, particularly in rural and remote regions. Many health facilities lack reliable access to energy, and those that do often face challenges such as frequent power outages and inadequate infrastructure. Decentralized renewable energy (DRE) systems offer sustainable solutions to meeting the energy needs of the health sector, thereby improving service delivery, enhancing resilience to climate change, and ensuring more equitable access to healthcare services and improved health outcomes, particularly in rural and off-grid areas.

On the request of the Government of Mali, IRENA commissioned a study to conduct an assessment and technical design of need-based renewable energy systems for enhancing healthcare delivery in Mali. The objective of the assessment is to evaluate the potential for integrating DRE solutions to power key health facilities, such as community health posts (CSCOMs), district referral health centres (CSREFs) and regional hospitals. IRENA in collaboration with government of Mali, and in partnership with SELCO Foundation and EnGreen Srl, is convening a virtual validation workshop to present the findings of the draft study report.

The objectives of the validation workshop are to:

• Review the findings and recommendations of the draft report,
• Identify any gaps and gather expert insights into the intersection of energy, healthcare, and climate change in Mali, to strengthen the assessment’s recommendations,
• Engage with the government stakeholders and development partners to foster ownership of the assessment and support the effective implementation of its recommendations,
• Raise awareness on the potential for integrating DRE solutions into current and future health programs of Mali.

The study highlights a significant demand for DRE solutions within the health sector, particularly in rural and underserved areas The findings of the assessment will provide essential insights to the Government of Mali and its development partners, helping to inform strategic decision making and implementation of energy solutions in the health sector. The assessment identifies the barriers and opportunities offered by DRE solutions to support the country’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and improve healthcare delivery, in alignment with Mali’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

This event is by invitation only.