The first solar-powered, off-grid (SDD) fridges were approved by the World Health Organization in 2010. Since then, several manufacturers have entered the market, making them more widely available. Malawi was one of the first countries to adopt SDD fridges, receiving its first grant in 2015 to install a few units in remote areas. The country has since replaced its gas- and battery-powered fridges with SDD models, increasing the number of cold chain points to 1,200.
In 2018, Gavi, with support from UNICEF, provided funding for the installation of about 600 SDD fridges in Malawi. This move has helped to increase the reliability and efficiency of the country’s cold chain, ensuring that more children can receive their vaccines on time.
When Cyclone Ana hit Malawi in 2021, SDD fridges proved to be a valuable asset. The country’s cold chain teams were able to quickly move vaccine doses stored in SDD fridges to remote areas, maintaining the cold chain and preventing the spoilage of vaccine doses.
The success of SDD fridges in Malawi has also led to opportunities for innovation in community health. The fridges can generate enough energy to power clinic lighting, fetal doppler heart monitors, and other medical equipment, and have also been equipped with performance tracking systems to monitor their condition and maintenance.
The Gavi solar fridge program has also provided training and maintenance support to countries, reducing CO2 emissions and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the equipment. The up-front investment in SDD fridges has yielded significant benefits, including lower costs, more reliable equipment, and a smaller carbon footprint, ultimately leading to stronger and more reliable health care systems.