Communities around Chikutu and Chisi in Senior Chief Kilupula’s area in Karonga District have asked authorities to construct a health centre in the area.

Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting between communities and duty-bearers organised by the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM), Lameck-Kambombo Village Development committee chairperson Esther Kaonga said people travel long distances to facilities to access healthcare services.

She said: “Since 1960, this area is neglected and isolated. The nearest health facility is Msumbe in Chitipa District, about 25 kilometres [km] away.

Kaonga: Pregnant women are affected

“The other one is Atupele Community Hospital, 35km away while Karonga District Hospital is 45km away.”

Kaonga said lack of health facilities in the area affects pregnant mothers and other emergencies.

“During emergencies, people spend K50 000 for an ambulance service from Msumbe Health Centre which many patients cannot afford,” she said.

Group village head Chisi said community members were ready to mould bricks and collect river sand as part of their contribution towards the project.

“People are ready to fetch dambo sand for the construction of the facility,” he said

 In a separate interview, Songwe Ward councillor Misheck Mwaijengo said plans to construct a health facility at Chisi were at an advanced stage.

On his part, Karonga District EAM Timazge Nkhaza Project coordinator Dumisani Nungu expressed satisfaction with the meeting, saying the demand was genuine as the fight against gender-based violence largely depends on the availability of social amenities such as hospitals, police and courts.

“For the battle against gender-based violence to succeed, health facilities should be close to the communities,” he said.

With funding from the Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurch Aid, EAM is implementing Timazge Nkhaza Project in traditional authorities Mwakaboko, Kilupula and Kyungu in the district

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