Chikwawa chief appeals for ambulance

Traditional Authority (T/A) Makhwira in Chikwawa has appealed to government to provide an ambulance to Makhwira Health Centre, one of the oldest health facilities in the district.

Makhwira made the appeal recently when Timotheos Foundation, a non-governmental organisation which supports less privileged and orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs), donated 200 blankets and 10 kilogrammes of maize flour each to pregnant mothers and elderly people at the facility.

“Makhwira Health Centre is one of the oldest health centres in Chikwawa and it provides care to many communities; hence, the need for an ambulance. Sometimes we have complicated maternal cases which need to be referred to the district hospital,” he said.

The donation benefited Makhwira and Mapelera health centres.

The T/A said Mapelera Health Centre lacks a purpose-built guardian shelter as the current one does not have lights and beddings. It also does not have a placenta bin while Makhwira operates with one bed.

Timotheos Foundation programme director Charles Paundedi said although their core activity is nursery feeding programmes, the organisation was touched by appeals for assistance by community members.

“Community members told us that expectant women did not have beddings and food. That was a big concern to us. That is why we decided to help,” said Paundeni.

Makhwira thanked Timotheos Foundation for the donation. n