Powering health facilities with resilient energy could save 175,000 lives: UNICEF

ISLAMABAD: A new UNICEF study has revealed that powering more health facilities with resilient energy in Pakistan could avert over 175,000 deaths by 2030.

Additionally, it said that it could contribute US$296 million to Pakistan’s economy by 2044 through reduced maternal, adult, and infant mortality rates, as well as a lower disease burden due to enhanced energy resilience.

Resilient energy refers to a reliable, flexible, accessible, and high-quality power supply that can withstand and quickly recover from unexpected shocks, such as power outages and floods.

According to a study conducted by the Economist Impact Unit for UNICEF, investment in resilient energy across health, education, and water services can lead to substantial benefits for children in the country and yield up to triple the investment.

For example, providing resilient electricity to schools would reduce dropout rates and enhance children’s learning, enabling them to earn more in the future. According to the research, this could add US$ 2.3 billion to Pakistan’s economy by 2040. Given Pakistan’s recent declaration of an education emergency, investments in energy resilience could help bring 26 million out-of-school children back to the classroom.

Additionally, it could potentially provide power to approximately 20 percent of off-grid schools in two Pakistani provinces.

In addition, temperatures have hit over 50C in some parts due to relentless heatwaves. The demand for electricity has surged putting a strain on existing electricity sources. With load-shedding and massive shortages, cooling is difficult. This can put children’s health in danger, and lead to dehydration, diarrhoea and more serious complications. 

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“Children depend on schools, health centres and safe drinking water for their survival, yet these facilities often don’t have the electricity supply to function optimally.

As the current heatwave grips the country, electricity needs have skyrocketed leading to shortfalls that can endanger children’s health,” said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF representative in Pakistan. “This research underscores the importance of implementing resilient energy solutions, which not only safeguard children’s lives and enhance their well-being but also contribute to economic growth.

Clearly, this a win-win for everyone in Pakistan: children, families, teachers, private sector and the economy. And the urgency to turn to renewable energy is greater than ever before, especially for our children, who suffer the impacts of climate change daily.” 

Worldwide 3.5 billion people live without reliable power, mostly in developing regions, where power outages can interrupt surgeries at hospitals and cause drinking water sources such as tube wells to fail.  

In addition, it said, climate change is disrupting the generation and distribution of energy. During the 2022 Pakistan floods, almost half of the water structures, such as water storage tanks, wells and supply main lines were damaged. The floods severely damaged the main river system, responsible for 25 per cent of Pakistan’s energy supply. 

In response, UNICEF restored water systems to benefit 350,000 people in 375 locations using smarter design. The floor level of the new wells was raised to above the level of projected floods, with frame structures that provide stability and protection walls that reduce potential damage. 

 The study found that if resilient energy is fully utilized, families and children in remote areas can have better water quality and supply, with fewer power outages. This can protect children from diseases and boost agricultural output. 

Investment and political action from both the public and private sectors can help to bring about a green and just energy transition, it said.

UNICEF called for greater investment in resilient, sustainable and green energy solutions for healthcare, education and safe water provision in developing countries as these solutions are the best, most efficient and cost-effective ways to address energy shortages given the climate crisis and to achieve net-zero goals. The investments could also go beyond the business value chain. 

It called for supportive policies and initiatives that promote the adoption of renewable energy; partnerships with development finance institutions to offer blended finance solutions.