NGO-Gender Coordinating Network (NGO-GCN) has expressed concern over the shortage of under-five clinics in some health facilities in Nsanje and Chikwawa districts.

The network, which is conducting a safety audit survey on how Cyclone Freddy affected health facilities in the two districts, has found that four health centres in Nsanje and three in Chikwawa have no designated spaces or structures to offer under-five services.

The health centres are Ndamera, Nyamithuthu, Sorgin and Osiyana in Nsanje and St. Montfort, Makhuwira and Mfera in Chikwawa.

The study also found that health workers at the said facilities have little knowledge on handling gender-based violence.

Mvalo: We are worried with the situation

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, NGO-GCN member Caroline Mvalo said the absence of spaces to provide under-five services affects pregnant women and children.

“We are worried with the situation. However, as part of recommendations, we will compile a report to share with relevant stakeholders,” she said.

In a separate interview, Nsanje District Health Office (DHO) spokesperson George Mbotwa said the findings were a true reflection of things on the ground.

“We are lobbying our headquarters in Lilongwe to assist us on the same,” he said.

On his part, Chikwawa DHO spokesperson Settie Piriminta said having an under-five clinic depends on the size of the facility.

Health rights advocate George Jobe said such reports must be shared with the two districts to look into the situation to find the way forward.

With funding from Unicef, NGO-GCN is implementing a four-month Safety Audit project in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Blantyre, Mulanje, Chiradzulu, Phalombe, Zomba and Machinga Districts.

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