The Human Face of Non-Communicable Diseases
Overcoming Asthma with Orant’s NCD Clinic
Born healthy, Loyna was diagnosed with asthma in 1999. For nearly three decades, she endured frequent and severe asthma attacks, with hospital visits becoming a routine part of her life.
Hailing from Mlamba Estate in Dowa District, Loyna recalls her darkest days: “It was hard. Asthma attacks made everyday tasks like eating a challenge. I struggled to breathe, and hospital beds became my second home,” narrates the 45-year-old mother.
Everything changed in March 2024 when Loyna discovered Orant’s Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Clinic. Launched that same year, the clinic was established in response to the growing burden of NCDs in rural communities around our catchment area.
The Human Face of Non-Communicable Diseases
In Malawi’s rural communities, where healthcare access is already limited, chronic conditions such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and epilepsy pose serious challenges. These diseases are not just health issues; they affect entire families, draining financial resources and pushing many deeper into poverty, Yet in many rural areas, they remain a low priority compared to infectious diseases like malaria and tuberculosis.
When Loyna learned about Orant’s NCD Clinic, she didn’t hesitate. She saw it as a chance to reclaim her life. And indeed, the clinic has been a game-changer.
“I can proudly say that since the start of this year, I have not been hospitalized. I still get sick sometimes, but it’s nothing like before,” Loyna says with a smile.
She adds that the clinic has not only improved her health but also brought financial relief to her family.
“Every time I was hospitalized, my husband had to borrow money. The illnesses were so frequent that before we finished paying off one debt, we were already in another,” she explains.
“It was very serious that we are still paying off some of those hospital bills, but at least now we are no longer adding to the debt.”
Freedom from struggle
What excites her the most is the peace and stability the clinic has brought to her home.
“Every day, I used to worry about whether I would fall sick again. Now, I can breathe a little easier, literally and emotionally.”
Loyna’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, education, and medical resources, even the most dangerous health challenges can be overcomed.
Conclusion
“While non-communicable diseases are becoming increasingly costly to manage, we are proud that our vulnerable patients receive treatment at no cost,” says Macpherson Chigwenembe, our NCDs Clinic Coordinator.
