The Ministry of Health, UNICEF and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) marked the official handover of a solar electrification system at the Satupaitea Healthcare Facility.

The new system is intended to strengthen access to reliable and climate-resilient healthcare services for communities across Savai‘i, according to officials at the event on 16 April 2026.

“The rollout of solar electrification in Savai‘i’s rural district hospitals is timely, reinforcing our health system with sustainable energy solutions that directly benefit our communities,” said Associate Minister of Health Motuopua’a Henney Papalii. 

“This initiative will significantly improve the reliability of essential services at the district level, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical equipment, enhancing patient care, and strengthening the capacity of our rural hospitals to respond effectively to community health needs.”

Officials said the handover is part of a broader initiative supporting the solarisation of four clinics across Savai‘i. The effort is aimed at ensuring essential healthcare services can continue during power disruptions caused by cyclones and other extreme weather events, as well as unreliable electricity supply.

For years, rural and remote healthcare facilities in Savai‘i have faced frequent power outages affecting vaccine storage, medical equipment operation, emergency care at night, and continuous services for mothers, newborns, children, and patients with chronic illnesses, according to the statement.

“By harnessing the power of the sun, this project helps to strengthen energy security in Samoa’s health sector and accelerate the transition to renewable energy,” said Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa Simon Dawkins. “At a time of uncertainty about international energy supply, this project builds community resilience in Savai’i.”

With solar systems installed, healthcare facilities are now better equipped to provide round-the-clock care, including maternal and newborn services, immunisation, child health services, emergency care, and treatment for non-communicable diseases.

Officials said the solar systems installed at the four healthcare facilities are expected to benefit around 31,000 people nearly 70% of Savai‘i’s population by improving access to primary healthcare.

“When a clinic has reliable power, it means a mother can give birth safely at night, vaccines can be stored at safe temperatures, and healthcare workers can look after patients without fear of power cuts,” said UNICEF Pacific Deputy Representative Roshni Basu. “This is about dignity, safety, and making sure communities can rely on care when it matters most. We are deeply grateful to DFAT and the leadership of the Ministry of Health in strengthening healthcare services.”

Officials also said that beyond healthcare delivery, solar power is expected to reduce operating costs, strengthen resilience to climate shocks, and support more sustainable services. Reliable electricity also enables clinics to keep records, track diseases, connect with specialists, and report cases more effectively.

The project is funded by DFAT with technical support from UNICEF. UNICEF is supporting the solarisation of healthcare facilities in more than 80 countries worldwide, including in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.