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Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced that a major health facility solarisation programme it supports is helping improve access to vaccines and essential healthcare services for more than 140 million people in underserved communities across Africa and Asia.

Backed by an investment of more than $30 million, the initiative has delivered solar power systems to more than 1,700 primary healthcare facilities in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda and Zambia, helping to address one of the most persistent challenges facing immunisation programmes: unreliable electricity supply.

The achievement comes as government officials, development partners, climate experts and civil society representatives gather at COP31 in Türkiye, where climate-resilient development and practical adaptation solutions are expected to feature prominently in discussions.

Limited or unreliable access to electricity has long constrained healthcare delivery in remote and underserved areas, affecting vaccine storage, service availability and the operation of essential medical equipment. By providing clean, reliable solar energy, the programme enables health facilities to maintain vaccine cold chains, extend operating hours and deliver emergency and night-time services.

The impact is particularly significant in Nigeria, where 371 solarised primary healthcare facilities are providing access to immunisation and basic health services for an estimated 115 million people through an investment of approximately $9 million.

In Ethiopia, 380 facilities serving roughly 8.6 million people have been equipped with solar power through an investment of $6.39 million. Pakistan has solarised 398 health centres serving around 12.4 million people with support valued at $6.67 million. Uganda has upgraded 250 facilities, benefiting about 3.1 million people through a $4.25 million investment, while Zambia's 296 solar-powered facilities are improving healthcare access for an estimated 1.3 million people with $4.17 million in funding.

Health experts say reliable electricity is critical for keeping vaccines at safe temperatures. Power interruptions can expose vaccines to heat, leading to wastage and disruptions to immunisation services.

The solarisation programme complements Gavi's long-term investments in cold chain infrastructure. Over the past two decades, the alliance has supported the deployment of more than 66,400 solar-powered direct-drive vaccine refrigerators across lower-income countries, strengthening immunisation systems and reducing environmental impact.

According to Gavi, the widespread use of the solar-powered refrigeration units is projected to prevent up to 153,024 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions over a 10-year operational period.

Ian MacTavish, Director of Vaccine Forecasting and Supply Management at Gavi, said the initiative shows how clean-energy investments can improve public health outcomes while promoting sustainability.

“By investing in solar energy for primary healthcare facilities, Gavi is removing a critical bottleneck to vaccine equity while helping countries build stronger, more sustainable and climate-friendly health systems,” MacTavish said.

“Solar-powered clinics ensure vaccines remain safe, health workers can deliver services consistently, and communities in far-flung areas can access life-saving vaccines and essential health services.”

Gavi said the programme highlights the growing role of renewable energy in strengthening health systems, showing how climate-smart investments can improve healthcare delivery, support vaccine equity, and build resilience in some of the world's most underserved communities.