Electricity Crisis Threatens Education and Healthcare

By Paul S. Dangha, BSc Microbiology, MLT (AMT), PT (ASCP)

Sierra Leone is facing a silent yet crippling emergency, a chronic electricity crisis that is paralyzing its education and healthcare systems. The consequences are grave, and without swift intervention, the nation risks deepening its developmental setbacks. Across Sierra Leone, thousands of students are forced to learn in poorly lit classrooms, with little to no access to electricity. This lack of power disrupts teaching, limits the use of modern learning tools, and deepens inequality in education. The absence of digital resources—now a cornerstone of quality learning—means students are falling behind in a world that is rapidly moving forward. Teachers, too, are hampered in their ability to prepare lessons or use technology, compounding the challenges already facing a struggling education system. In rural areas especially, the impact is profound, leaving students at a severe disadvantage. The nation’s healthcare sector is no less affected. Frequent power outages and a lack of backup systems make it difficult for hospitals and clinics to deliver even basic services. Life-saving medical equipment stands unused, surgeries are delayed, and vaccine storage is jeopardized due to the inability to maintain required refrigeration. Health workers are battling to save lives under conditions that no modern healthcare provider should have to endure. In the absence of consistent power, the delivery of care is unpredictable and often dangerous—especially for children, pregnant women, and the critically ill. This crisis demands more than acknowledgement—it demands action. Investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and hydroelectric power, improvements in national infrastructure, and public-private partnerships are urgently needed to restore and stabilize the power grid.Government leadership, with support from international organizations and the private sector, must work collaboratively to prioritize energy access as a foundation for national development. Despite the severity of the crisis, there is hope. Community-driven renewable energy projects, international aid, and emerging policy discussions offer a path forward. With the right commitment and coordinated efforts, Sierra Leone can begin to reverse the effects of this crisis and empower its people. Electricity is not a luxury—it is a lifeline. The people of Sierra Leone deserve access to reliable power, quality education, and functional healthcare. It is time for bold, decisive action to address the electricity crisis and build a brighter, more equitable future for all.