Solar panels for ‘Livingstone’s Hospital’

Communities in Central Province, Zambia, will benefit from a secured electricity supply at ‘Livingstone’s Hospital’ in Chitambo, following collaboration between the Scottish Government, First Aid Africa and local businesses on the ground. 

Funding announced by International Development Minister Ben Macpherson has been used for the purchase of solar panels for the hospital, ensuring a consistent energy supply for the first time, vital for keeping the lights on and storing essential medicines. 

The Scottish Government has worked in partnership with local businesses on the ground in Zambia on the fitting of the panels, and they will also train local staff in Chitambo to maintain them in the future. This ensures the sustainability of the project to the benefit of the local community for years to come. 

Making the announcement during his visit to Zambia, he said: 

“From the death of Dr David Livingstone in Chitambo, and the hospital founded in his name, to the subsequent visits by his descendants and generations of nurses and doctors over the years, particularly through the Scottish Charity, 'Friends of Chitambo', the links between Scotland and this part of Zambia are long standing.

“I’m pleased that we are able to carry on this work, and in partnership with First Aid Africa and local businesses are able to help secure the sustainable long-term future of Chitambo Hospital.

“By ensuring a continuous supply of electricity for the hospital, this partnership will help countless people from Chitambo and the surrounding parts of Central Province in Zambia.

“By working with local businesses to share expertise, it is the Zambian communities themselves that will deliver long-lasting improvements to their medical care. With this being United Nations Global Goals Week – and the theme being collaboration – it is especially fitting that we are able to announce this partnership now.”

Sam Abrahams, CEO First Aid Africa said: 

“Chitambo hospital serves tens of thousands of people in one of the most rural districts in Zambia. This project was about partnership, not pity.  This is a story of how Zambian innovators are building a better future for their country, and utilising their friendship with Scotland to create lasting relationships and practical change. It's about how collaboration, and funding from Scotland leveraged the might of Zambian business, international charities, and the local community. Scotland and Zambia are leading the way in showing that partnership, true partnership, can save lives."