New Underfive Clinics Bring Relief to Chikwawa Communities
The construction of the Nazeze Clinic was funded by World Connect, while the Mvula clinic received financial support from NASF.
Chikwawa, Malawi -Parents and children in two villages in Chikwawa district, Malawi, now have access to under-five services in a conducive environment, thanks to the construction of under-five clinics by the local non-governmental organization, Community Forum-COFO, writes Moses Thole.
Previously, these essential services were conducted under a tree, which often resulted in missed monthly check-ups during rainy or winter seasons.
The construction of the Nazeze Clinic was funded by World Connect, while the Mvula clinic received financial support from NASF.
Aida Mwanyala, a villager from Nazeze village, expressed her joy over this development. She said, "Now I believe that every problem has its own expiry date. In our village, we have been struggling to access quality under-five services as we did not have proper shelter. We are humans too, and we deserve better."
Mwanyala also expressed her gratitude to COFO and its partners for improving healthcare services delivery in the village. She praised the NGO for demonstrating how collaboration between stakeholders can significantly enhance people's lives.
Milca Patrishu, from Nvula village, Traditional Authority Chapanga, recalled a time when women could not access baby services during the rainy season because health authorities couldn't reach the area due to heavy rainfall.
She said, "I remember, in 2019 during cyclone Idai, Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) stopped coming to this area due to heavy rains, poor road infrastructure, and a lack of proper shelter for their work."
"It has been our dream all along to have a shelter for these services, and we are grateful to COFO for this intervention."
Joshua Malunga, Executive Director for COFO, explained that the intervention aims to improve healthcare service delivery in the area.
He said, "Following an interface meeting and focus group discussions we had with community members, we identified the problem that women in Nazeze and Mvula communities were facing in accessing under-five services. So we decided to construct two clinics to complement government efforts in improving and providing access to health services in remote areas."
Since its inception in 2022, COFO has constructed several clinics, relieving pressure on women who no longer have to attend postnatal clinics under trees.
In addition to providing under-five services, youth can also access various health services, including family planning and HIV prevention, at the clinics.
Malunga emphasized that the clinics are crucial in addressing issues such as early pregnancies, fistula, and STI transmission.
They provide youth with access to information and health services related to sexual reproductive health (SRH).
Malunga acknowledged that the project encountered challenges during the construction period, including cyclones that destroyed road networks and hindered the transportation of construction materials.
Nevertheless, COFO remains committed to improving the quality of life for underserved communities in Chikwawa district.
He revealed future plans, stating that the NGO is implementing the Artist Create Together (ACT) project, which aims to enhance public education, awareness, and culture, aligning with their mission and vision statement.