Reaching the Unreached Despite the Odds

On a Thursday morning, our team is busy packing equipment and medication, preparing to head out to a remote village located several hours away from our base. The heavy pouring rains have turned the land into a muddy terrain, and the chilly weather makes it even more challenging. However, our team is driven by the knowledge that their timely intervention means the difference between life and death for a baby struggling with pneumonia, an old woman fighting the symptoms of Malaria or someone waiting to get a refill of their Hypertension or Diabetes medication. 

Access to healthcare remains a fundamental human right that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their location, socioeconomic status, or age. Unfortunately, many individuals in rural areas lack access to basic medical care, exposing them to significant health risks. During the rainy season, the health risk is even higher as the prevalence of malaria and other waterborne diseases increases exponentially, making our healthcare services more crucial than ever.

Our Mobile Outreach clinic is designed to overcome the barriers that prevent vulnerable populations from accessing healthcare when they need it most. With long distances to healthcare facilities, broken bridges, and flooded rivers, many individuals are unable to access medical care in a timely manner during the rainy season. Our team is committed to bridging this gap, ensuring that everyone receives the medical attention they deserve, when they need it.

As our team approaches Chidzenje, the day’s centre we are visiting, the sight of our ambulance connected to the trailer sparks hope among the waiting crowd. “Chafika!” “It has arrived!” – exclaims a young woman. Her voice rang out to the crowd,  announcing the arrival of the medical team. The faces of the crowd light up with anticipation, their eyes filled with a sense of promise. In no time, the team springs into action, offloading equipment and preparing to provide vital medical care to those in need.

Memory Banda, a young woman in her twenties, rushes into our mobile outreach center with her six-month-old baby, Joel. Joel’s labored breathing is a clear indication of severe illness. “Ndithandizeni adokotala!” Memory exclaimed, pleading for the doctor’s help.

Promptly, our medical team examines baby Joel and diagnoses him with pneumonia. After administering IV medication, Joel is referred to Kasungu District Hospital for further treatment. Our ambulance is dispatched to transfer Joel to the hospital.

Elsewhere, in Kafinya village, Eneless Phiri arrives at our outreach center with her three-year-old son, Charles, who was visibly pale and sick. 

“He has been suffering from high fever for two days, but the heavy rainfall and impassable rivers had prevented me from reaching the hospital, a two-hour journey away,” says Eneless.

After conducting tests, Charles was diagnosed with malaria and anemia. Our medical team promptly provides him with the necessary treatment.