A SCOTTISH firm has paid for motorbikes to boost a life-saving health project in Chikwawa, Malawi
The Scotland Chikwawa Health Initiative, set up by the University of Strathclyde and partners in Southern Malawi, is using the bikes to transport vital vaccines, improve access to healthcare, and support a network of 50 community health workers.
The bikes were purchased with a donation from Phoenix Honda and will support health care for around 18,000 people in areas where lack of transport makes access to health facilities difficult or impossible.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: “During my visits to Malawi over the past two years, I have seen first-hand the challenges faced by health workers in rural areas with limited health facilities.
“There is a strong reliance on community-based health workers to support and treat common illnesses including malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia – illnesses which are preventable, yet are the main cause of death in the area.
“This generous donation from Phoenix Honda emphasises the positive impact Scottish organisations can have by working with our partners in Malawi. It’s particularly pleasing to see the motorbikes are ready for the health care workers to use ahead of the rainy season, when it’s most difficult for patients to gain access to health services.”
A Senior Health Surveillance Assistant and an Assistant Environmental Health Officer are already using the motorbikes to supervise the community health workers, providing mentoring, supplies and emergency back-up.
John McGuire, Chairman & CEO of Phoenix Honda in Scotland, said: “We are proud to be associated with this project. We are grateful to both Professor McDonald and Dr Tracy Morse for facilitating the opportunity to fund the motorbikes.
“It is a tragedy that in this decade simple ailments can become life-threatening through lack of basic healthcare. We trust that the motorbikes will give many years of service and hopefully make a difference to the people of Chikwawa.”
The new motorbikes are also helping the Health Initiative’s Safe Motherhood programme, which provides women with access to healthcare during pregnancy.
Dr Tracy Morse, Malawi-based Project Manager of the Scotland Chikwawa Health Initiative, said: “With health services being located many hours away from remote communities, some women give birth at the roadside on their way to the health centre. Community health workers play a vital role in giving pregnant women help and information, supporting them so they come to the health centre long before labour starts.
“Giving more women access to healthcare during pregnancy is having a direct impact on reducing maternal and neonatal deaths in the region. Thanks to the donation from Phoenix Honda, we can reach more women and children in remote areas.”
