In Malawi, malaria is endemic in more than 95 percent of the country and is responsible for approximately seven million cases annually and more than one-third of all outpatient visits across all ages.
In one of the poorest countries in the world, where its population of 19 million lives on an average of less than $2 per day, conditions are so bad in rural villages that the only source of medical services for millions of Malawians can be up to 30 miles, taking a day to get to the nearest doctor.
As we at Bread and Water for Africa® understand all too well, since it is often difficult, if not impossible, for parents to get their young children to a medical facility, we decided to bring the facility to them through a mobile clinic operation serving thousands of residents in 156 villages in the Tongozala region of the country.
Teaming up with our in-country partner, the Our AIM Foundation (OAF), for the period July 2024 through June 2025, the mobile clinic supported by Bread and Water for Africa® has treated a total of 2,557 individuals, an average of 213 a month and as many as 310 in a single month.
In June, OAF reported that the mobile clinic traveled to Chifipo Village, a remote and underserved community of more than 6,000 residents in Mchinji District located 28 miles from the nearest permanent health facility operated by OAF.
As part of the clinic operations in Chifipo, health screenings were carried out to detect common health issues and “malaria testing was prioritized due to its high prevalence in the community,” OAF reported. “The screenings helped identify undiagnosed cases and ensured timely medical intervention.
“During the outreach, a total of 207 patients across various age groups received medical attention,” OAF reported. “The services provided were comprehensive and designed to address both immediate and underlying health needs.”
Nearly one-third, 67, of the patients seen were treated for malaria, followed by upper respiratory tract infections (36), musculoskeletal pain (27), acute respiratory infection (19) and gastritis (10).
Among those with confirmed cases of malaria were a young mother and her one-year-old child who were both experiencing fever.
“Clinical assessment confirmed malaria, and the prompt administration of antimalarial treatment led to a positive recovery trajectory for both individuals,” OAF reported.
Another was Ms. Kelina Semu, 50, who arrived at the mobile clinic complaining of abdominal pain. Following a thorough assessment, she was diagnosed with gastritis and received immediate, appropriate medication.
“Ms. Semu expressed profound gratitude and happiness for the treatment,” OAF reported.
“She highlighted the significant challenge she faced in accessing traditional healthcare facilities due to the considerable distance to the nearest hospital.
“The presence of our mobile clinic in her village provided timely and essential medical attention that would otherwise have been inaccessible, bringing her immense relief and illustrating the critical value of our services.”
In conclusion, OAF reported that the mobile clinic at Chifipo Village “was an essential intervention, addressing the immediate health needs of a vulnerable and isolated population.
“The outreach revealed a particularly high prevalence of malaria and highlighted systemic challenges such as limited access to healthcare and water infrastructure.
“Our AIM Foundation remains committed to addressing these challenges through continued outreach, partnership with local leadership, and a sustained focus on health education and preventive care.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the healthcare team, volunteers, community leaders, and supporters who made this effort possible.”
