Chad's solar kiosks bridge healthcare gap

In rural Chad, the Telemedan initiative is revolutionizing healthcare access by deploying solar-powered kiosks. These facilities bring medical consultations closer to communities, overcoming significant barriers of distance and cost. Launched in 2021 by Abakar Mahamat, Telemedan aims to provide healthcare services even where electricity and internet infrastructure are limited. The kiosks operate using solar panels and batteries, with local operators registering patients and taking vital measurements before connecting them to remote doctors via screen.

This innovative approach significantly reduces the financial burden on patients, with Telemedan consultations costing between $2 and $15, compared to potentially over $200 for traditional journeys. As of 2026, the initiative boasts 37 kiosks across 11 provinces, serving an estimated 143,000 people. Telemedan is also exploring AI for screening diabetic retinopathy and is supported by Chad's Ministry of Public Health and Prevention as part of a broader national digital health strategy.

While Telemedan kiosks cannot provide emergency treatment or complex procedures, they serve as a vital first point of contact. The project's expansion is aligned with Chad's National Digital Health Programme, aiming to integrate digital health solutions into the national healthcare system. The initiative faces challenges such as maintaining equipment and connectivity, but its goal is to become a sustainable layer of healthcare infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa, reaching one million people.