Malawi is one of the world's poorest nations and has some the worst health indicators (it currently ranks 170 out of 186 on the UNDP's Human Development Index). Access to healthcare facilities is limited - only 46% of citizens live within a 5km radius of any kind of health facility.
Under-fives clinics
They have recently set up under-fives clinics for people in the villages of Chigwaja and Mwandika. The clinics take place every Friday morning in the villages' feeding centres and are run by two Joshua volunteers. Children under five have their weight, temperature and height recorded, as well as receiving a general check-up to monitor any skin infections, wounds etc. they may have.
Since these clinics started we have seen positive results. The mothers are relieved not to have to travel so far to get to a clinic, less and less children are presenting signs of skin infections, and wounds are being thoroughly washed and dressed.
Community workshops
As well as the under-fives clinic, the two volunteer doctors also run a training workshop every Friday afternoon (also in the feeding centres). They teach the local community about important health issues, such as: first aid, hygiene, malaria, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and blood pressure. These sessions make people aware of the causes of diseases like diabetes and blood pressure and how to take care of an HIV/AIDS patient.
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