Across the world, millions of people live without access to reliable healthcare. In remote communities, where infrastructure is sparse or non-existent, delivering even the most basic services can be a huge challenge. Yet, in these regions, where the need is often greatest, innovation can deliver transformative change.
At Dulas, we’ve spent decades addressing these kinds of challenges, designing solutions that enable underserved communities to access the healthcare they need. By leveraging solar-powered technology, we’ve been able to support those in locations where traditional approaches often fall short.
One case in point is Zion Clinic in Muturu Village, Uganda, where in May 2024, we donated and delivered a solar-powered vaccine refrigerator. This is a project that’s close to our hearts at Dulas, as it highlights both the challenges faced by people living in such locations, as well as the life-changing opportunities that can be created by the right use of technology.
Inequality in healthcare
In underserved areas, such as the rural communities Dulas supports, healthcare providers face a plethora of unpredictable obstacles, including unreliable electricity supply, poor infrastructure, and a lack of equipment and resources. For many families, healthcare facilities are hours away, often on foot, making routine care, let alone critical services, difficult and sometimes impossible to access.
This is a global issue. From rural areas in Africa to remote regions of Asia and Latin America, the lack of reliable refrigeration for vaccine storage (referred to as the cold chain) leaves many vulnerable to preventable diseases. Vaccines that require cold storage often fail to reach these ‘last-mile’ communities, creating vicious cycles of illness.
Innovative solar-powered solutions
It’s in these ‘last-mile’ communities where solar-powered solutions come into their own. Innovations like vaccine refrigerators – designed specifically for off-grid use – can help bridge the healthcare gap and provide vital immunisations. By harnessing renewable energy, this technology ensures the safe storage and transport of vaccines in even the most challenging environments.
Solutions like the VC150SDD vaccine refrigerator, for example, have the ability to operate independently of traditional power sources – meaning that they are not limited by location and infrastructure. Some models also have freezer capability to enable further outreach programmes, ensuring that vaccines and medicines can reach individuals in isolated areas or who may not be physically able to reach local healthcare facilities.
At the Zion Clinic, the arrival of the VC150SDD refrigerator marked a turning point. For years, the community lacked local access to immunisation services. Residents faced a gruelling 12km trek over tough terrain to reach the nearest vaccination centre. Now, with the refrigerator installed, over 3,200 children in the region are receiving vaccines close to home, with significant outreach potential for nearby villages as well.
Building resilience with technology
The impact of solar-powered healthcare equipment extends far beyond a single clinic. It’s about building resilience in local healthcare systems. Solutions like these allow clinics to provide consistent, high-quality care, even in the face of economic, environmental, and infrastructure challenges.
This has a wider impact than you might initially think. Families no longer have to choose between difficult journeys or going without critical vaccinations. Community health improves, leading to fewer outbreaks of preventable diseases and a healthier population.
In addition, the reliability of solar technology provides stability to healthcare providers. Staff can focus on what really matters, like patient care, rather than struggling with equipment failures or power outages.
Overcoming logistical challenges
Implementing these solutions isn’t without its hurdles. In many cases, delivering equipment to remote areas is a significant challenge. The Zion Clinic project, for example, required transportation of a 200kg refrigerator through Uganda’s Mount Elgon region – a journey that involved a five-hour drive and a final stretch on foot with the help of local volunteers.
Yet, whilst highly challenging, we can overcome these obstacles by working together. What we’ve learned through projects like this is that collaboration is key. Partnerships between technology providers, local communities, governments, and NGOs are vital in overcoming logistical barriers.
A broader mission
While the Zion Clinic project is a shining example of what can be achieved, it’s just one of many initiatives globally where solar technology is making a difference.
However, the need for innovative healthcare solutions is still growing. Extreme weather events (caused by climate change) continue to disrupt power supplies, making it harder to deliver services in vulnerable regions. Solar-powered technologies offer a way to adapt, providing stable, reliable energy that ensures healthcare continuity.
A call to action
To deliver healthcare in underserved communities requires more than technology – it requires a shared commitment to equality. Governments, private organisations, and NGOs must collaborate effectively to provide these solutions.
At Dulas, we remain committed to being part of this global mission. We believe that innovative, reliable, solar-powered technology is a powerful tool in reducing the healthcare gap. By placing these solutions in the hands of those who need them most, we can make a real, tangible difference.
The story of Zion Clinic is a testament to what’s possible when innovative technology meets local determination. It’s a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, effective collaboration can mean real progress.
As we look to the future, the goal is clear – to ensure that no community is left behind. Through partnerships, perseverance, and innovation, we can transform healthcare delivery and bring hope to underserved communities worldwide.
Read more about Dulas’s work here: https://dulas.org.uk/
Ruth Chapman
Ruth Chapman is the Executive Managing Director of pioneering renewable energy company, Dulas. With an education in environment and energy fields and a background in performance management, Ruth’s ambition is to ensure renewable energy plays a full and vital role in our future energy mix.
