Seiyun, Yemen – Today the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and partners inaugurated a solar hybrid system that will provide an uninterrupted power supply to the central COVID-19 Isolation Unit in Seiyun, Hadramout. A first of its kind in Yemen, this hybrid system can sustain power for 24 hours to facilitate steady provision of critical health services by using an innovative onand-off-grid and diesel solution. A hybrid solar system is cost effective and efficient in Yemen, where regular power outages and other systemic issues weaken the health system.
The project was made possible by generous support from the Government of Italy and was implemented by UNDP’s Rapid Financing Facility (RFF) which aims to strengthen community resilience to shocks and crises.
During the first and second COVID-19 waves, the Seiyun hospital cared for COVID19 patients with limited beds (10). As the infection rate increased, so did the COVID19 response capacity with 24 beds. Despite this, however, electricity remained challenging for the hospital administration. However, with a capacity of 40 kW solar photovoltaic, 55 kW from the utility grid and backup generator, and a 240 kWh storage bank, everything has now changed.
“The solar hybrid solution has reduced the cost of electricity by $17,500 a year. In addition, the system can help run 10 ventilators, several machines, and 17 airconditioners,” says Mr. Anees Aideed, the hospital’s Director. “We have also saved on the cost of diesel and the COVID-19 Isolation Unit response capacity has increased,” he adds.
In addition to serving the local communities in Seiyun and the surrounding areas of Hadramout, this COVID-19 Isolation Unit also serves the local communities in the governorates of Al-Maharah, Marib, and Shabwah. Furthermore, Seiyun is home to a growing population of internally-displaced people (IDPs) with more than 50 per cent of the IDPs visiting the center for general and COVID-19 treatment.
“Considering it is the only COVID-19 isolation unit and facility for more than 500,000 people in the region, the support from UNDP has boosted our confidence and response capacity to confront the pandemic,” says Mr. Abdul Hadi Al Tamimi, the Deputy Governor. “Thanks to UNDP for such a provision and critical support,” he further adds.
The environmental impact of the isolation centre hybridization of electricity sources will save more than 636 tons of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the equipment.
-Ends-
Press Contacts
UNDP Yemen | Leanne Rios, Team Lead: Communications and Advocacy
Leanne.rios@undp.org
About the Project
Funded by the United Nations Development Programme and Government of Italy, The Rapid Financing Facility (RFF) has three mutually reinforcing outputs geared to (a) protect poor and vulnerable people from aggravated hardship caused by COVID-19; (b) strengthen national COVID-19 response; and (c) restore livelihoods through MSME support and strengthened COVID-19 prevention at community levels. The project targets Seiyun and Boor districts of Hadramout.
About UNDP
UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.
© Press Release 2022
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
