Cervical cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases in Malawi today, with most cases originating from rural villages. Ignorance and late diagnosis are leading factors contributing to the high mortality rate. However, with adequate knowledge and early detection, cervical cancer can be fought. In today's blog article, we share Margret Chimpanda's inspiring story of victory over cervical cancer. Click the link below to read Margret's story.
Alick Zimba’s Life-Saving Diagnosis
In the heat of a September morning, two men carry a man on a bicycle to Orant’s Mobile Outreach Clinic. The man’s name is Alick Zimba. Alick trusts Orant’s Mobile Clinic. “This is not the first time Orant has rescued my life,” he says.
Not long ago, Alick developed a blister on his foot. It kept growing. The nearest hospital was about 12 kilometers away. Alick’s household couldn’t afford money for transportation. “I never knew it would have a serious complication,” he says. But the blister grew into a large, festering wound. In attempts to soothe the pain, Alick applied traditional herbs. These only worsened the wound’s condition.
On July 12, Alick caught word that Orant’s Mobile Outreach Clinic would visit his community. He decided to see a doctor. That day, he learned his blister was a sign of something larger. He was diagnosed with diabetes.
“I don’t know what could have become of me if not for Orant,” Alick says. With a proper diagnosis, trained medical staff, and stocked pharmacy, Alick got the help he needed.
George Matandeu, Orant’s Mobile Outreach Clinician, explains, “The greatest challenge in rural locations like this is poverty. Many cannot afford even a minimal amount of 200 kwachas,” 25 cents in USD, “for health services. Not only that, many people die in silence due to health ignorance.”
This is why Orant provides preventative care as well. Our staff gives health talks to rural communities. We cover immunizations, COVID-19, HIV/ AIDS, and more. Our health talks expand community knowledge about common illnesses. “People are so receptive,” says George.
Orant aims to create knowledgeable, empowered communities that can take charge of their health. We want people like Alick to visit the doctor at the first sign of something unusual. And we want all our patients, like Alick, to trust us with their care.
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The Orant Journal
At Orant, we recognise and value the critical role nutrition plays in human development and national economic development. We recognise that good nutrition is the backbone of a healthy community and its benefits extend beyond human health. Good nutrition is a contributing factor in reducing maternal and child health challenges, minimizing disease prevalence and promoting economic productivity.
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