Photo| By Michael Daniel

UNICEF is leading a solar-powered vaccine program in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, that is saving lives, boosting vaccination coverage, cutting fuel costs from 1.2 million to under 200,000 US dollars a year, and reducing environmental impact.

The initiative is strengthening immunization services across the region, ensuring children and pregnant women receive life-saving vaccines safely, even in areas with unreliable electricity.

Working with the Ministry of Health South Sudan and other health partners, UNICEF has upgraded vaccine storage facilities and distribution systems in Wau.

At midyear 2024, coverage in Greater Bahr el Ghazal reached 84 percent for Penta 3 and 67 percent for measles vaccination, according to District Health Information System 2.

James Philip Bazia, Cold Chain Officer with the Expanded Programme on Immunization in Wau, explained that maintaining vaccines at the correct temperature throughout the supply chain is critical. “The system starts from the factory, goes through the state, Payams, and bomas, until it reaches the children or pregnant women who need the vaccines,” he said.

Over the past two years, solar power has replaced fuel-powered generators, making the cold chain more reliable and environmentally friendly.

Bol Akot, UNICEF Health Specialist in Greater Bahr el Ghazal, said, “Last year, the region spent about 1.2 million US dollars on fuel. With solar energy, costs are now under 200,000 dollars a year.”

The solar system includes lithium batteries and control units at the state cold chain hub, ensuring vaccines remain at the required temperature even during cloudy weather.

Smaller solar units have been installed in counties including Wau, Jur River, and Raja, improving distribution to remote communities.

While challenges remain during rainy seasons, UNICEF and health partners continue to ensure that life-saving vaccines reach children and pregnant women across Western Bahr el Ghazal.

The initiative not only saves lives but also reduces carbon emissions, marking a major step toward sustainable health services in South Sudan.