Solar panels power Romblon health units

THE World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union and the United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAid), donated three solar panels for rural health units affected by the frequent power outages in Romblon province.

The Information Office Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in the Philippines said the rural health units receiving the solar panels collectively serve up to 480 patients monthly.

The embassy emphasized that access to a consistent power supply will «ensure the safe storage of vaccines and other lifesaving medicines, safer childbirth at night and during disasters, powered and better sterilized medical equipment, availability of hot water and less risk of damage to medical devices.»

Workers install the solar panels donated by the WHO, USAid and EU at a health facility in Romblon. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

During the handover, USAid Philippines Health Office Director Andrea Halverson said the donation will ensure that «vital services remain uninterrupted, especially in times of crisis.»

USAid, EU and WHO partnered in this initiative to strengthen the Philippines' capacity to prevent, detect and respond to emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.

Also attending the handover were WHO Philippines technical officer Bonifacio Magtibay, Cajidiocan municipal health officer Patricia Denise Ancheta, Magdiwang Mayor Arthur Tansiongco, San Fernando Vice Mayor Domingo Marin and Romblon provincial health officer Winston Palasi.

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