Improved Energy-Resilient Solutions in Pakistan Can Prevent 175,000 Child, Adult Deaths

A new UNICEF study has revealed that investing in resilient energy solutions for health facilities in Pakistan could have significant positive impacts, the organization’s website published yesterday.

The study estimates that powering more health centers with reliable, flexible, and high-quality electricity could avert over 175,000 deaths by 2030 and contribute $296 million to Pakistan’s economy by 2044.

According to the article, improving energy resilience across Pakistan’s health, education, and water services could lead to substantial gains for children, potentially returning up to triple the initial investment.

The organization observes that providing resilient electricity to schools would reduce dropout rates and boost student learning, adding an estimated $2.3 billion to the economy by 2040.

With 26 million Pakistani children currently out of school, such energy-focused interventions could help get them back in the classroom, including powering 20% of off-grid schools in two provinces.

UNICEF is calling for greater public and private investment in sustainable, green energy solutions to address Pakistan’s energy shortages and support the country’s net-zero goals.