AMECA is really excited about the developments and progress made during a visit to Malawi in September. Subject to being able to secure adequate funding, AMECA hope to build a small hospital comprising both in-patient and out-patient facilities, an operating theatre, a specialist maternal and child health unit and health education facilities. The local tribal authority has indicated that they are happy to donate a large area of land in the Lower Shire region of southern Malawi; the local District Commissioner and local Department of Health Officer have given approval for this venture and draft architects drawings are being prepared.
The region suffers from a serious lack of medical facilities and for the estimated population of 60,000 people, there is currently no doctor or functioning X-ray between Nchalo and Nsanje, a distance of approximately 92 km. Although there are a couple of Government ambulances at Monfort Hospital in Nchalo and at Nsanje Hospital, transport is completely inadequate for any emergent patients.
AMECA has been in discussion with Illovo Sugar Malawi Ltd, during the year and it is very much hoped that Illovo will be able to provide valuable assistance in terms of affordability and sustainability. Illovo has an excellent track record of corporate social responsibility and has been instrumental in building schools and clinics, which serve both their own employees and the wider community. (Illovo website)
Although definitive build costs for this venture are not yet available, it is anticipated that the charity will need to raise in the region of £500,000 to ensure that the first phase of this facility can be constructed.
Therefore any donations are gratefully accepted; we can’t do this without your help!
Donation form
Ruthie at the proposed clinic site.
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