The European Union (EU) funded the system, which was recently inaugurated by the EU, UNOPS, Hargeisa Group Hospital and Terre Solidali.

Head of the EU Delegation to Somalia, Michele Cervone d'Urso, hailed the timely support. Highlighting that healthcare is a primary universal need for every person, he pointed out that such crucial support is at the heart of the EU's comprehensive approach to improving people's living standards.

"A healthy community is a productive community, and without reliable electricity the Hargeisa Group Hospital would not be able to render its services effectively," he said. "This is why the European Union is passionate and dedicated to supporting such a crucial medical facility that attends to thousands of people in Hargeisa and beyond."

As part of this project, UNOPS procured and installed two generators and essential electrical materials.

"This new power system now provides uninterrupted electricity to the hospital grid," said Kazuyo Mitsuhashi, UNOPS Programme Analyst. "This will substantially improve both the quality of services provided and the safety of the hospital's patients and visitors."

The new electrical power system is part of a €1.5 million EU-funded project aimed at increasing the efficiency, quality and sustainability of health services provided by the hospital, which serves approximately 1.2 million in the wider area.

Aimed at improving the hospital's facilities, the funding followed a comprehensive approach to the hospital's development and management. It provided: an infrastructure master plan for the hospital, geared towards supporting functional integration of its various departments; the development of small-scale infrastructure interventions; and the procurement of equipment.