Malawi – Page 2

This malaria season has seen a very sharp rise in malaria cases as a result of various factors including the change in climate. This is a nationwide crisis, which has unfortunately coincided with a Forex and a fuel shortage, hampering the purchase and distribution of the malaria treatment Lumefantrine and Arthemeter (LA). Phunzira has been able to make a donation of LA to both Ruarwe and Khondowe clinics, to hopefully see out the rest of the malaria season.

This donation of medications coincides with a nationwide government initiative to distribute mosquito nets to all households, which started in the Ruarwe area at the beginning of November. Alongside the education provided by the clinic staff at the start of every clinic day we hope to see a drop in malaria rates and no fatalities. We are grateful to be able to help the wider community at a time of need such as this, and will continue to focus on education for the whole community about the importance of using mosquito nets correctly and prevention methods community members can take to reduce their risk of infection.

Donations, Healthcare

Donation of clinical supplies to Ruarwe Health Centre

September 23, 2024November 8, 2024 Phunzira

September saw a donation of medical supplies of bandages and sterile gloves to Ruarwe Health Centre. Surplus supplies, otherwise destined for landfill, from a health facility in the UK were provided to the clinic. As we come up to planting season here in Malawi, the clinic is seeing numerous wounds and injuries from farming. Both the bandages and sterile gloves have come in really helpful to manage these injuries and wounds. The sterile gloves have also come in useful for the delivery of two babies at the clinic in the last few weeks! We are really grateful to the facility in the UK for thinking of the clinic in Ruarwe and for facilitating this donation, which really does make a big difference. Yewo Chomene!

Business, Community

New Airtel Money building construction almost completed at Nyumba Ya Masambiro

September 8, 2024November 8, 2024 Phunzira

Construction is almost complete on a new Airtel Money Office. This building means that community members coming to NYM to carry out Airtel Money transactions have a dedicated place to go to complete those transactions. This keeps the NYM management office free for management members to complete their tasks undisturbed.

The Airtel Money business continues to be very popular amongst community members, with multiple people coming to complete transactions every single day. Each transaction gains a small commission for NYM as the Agent, and that commission is then reinvested into NYM for the benefit of the community. Having a dedicated space for these transactions to be carried out is a great step forward for this business.

Healthcare, Malawi, Volunteers

Phunzira’s Volunteer Program reopens

August 15, 2024November 8, 2024 Phunzira

After years of closure due the COVID-19 and the subsequent maintenance and reopening phase, we are delighted to announce that Phunzira’s Volunteer Program has reopened for both Nyumba Ya Masambiro and Ruarwe Health Centre. Our first volunteer, Rachel, joined us in Malawi for three months from Mid July to Mid October. A qualified nurse from the USA, Rachel helped daily at Ruarwe Health Centre as well as getting stuck in with community health visits to the wider catchment area with the Health Surveillance Assistants from the clinic team and by running First Aid sessions with both the NYM staff and Clinic Staff.

Rachel was really valued by the whole team, community members as well as staff at Zulunkhuni River Lodge, where all volunteers stay during their placements in Ruarwe. Rachel, we thank you for your hard work, for getting stuck in with so much while you were here and your cheerful demeanour throughout your stay. We would love to see you back some time very soon! Yewo Chomene!