The Catholic Health Commission has donated 38 bicycles to community health volunteers in Mchinji District to ease transportation challenges during health monitoring activities in their communities.
Speaking on Friday during the handover at St Michael’s Guilleme Community Hospital in the district, Lilongwe Archdiocese director of social services and development Sister Margaret Lupiya said the bicycles will help community healthcare volunteers reach remote areas with services.
“It is difficult to ascertain health problems in the communities if there is no data. Therefore, data collectors help to bridge the information gap which helps in coming up with interventions,” she said.
A community health nurse, Ellen Sinjani said the bicycles will motivate volunteers to work hard.
“I urge the volunteers to use the bicycles for their purpose,” she said.
St Michael’s Guilleme Community Hospital chairperson Richard Salijeni said the bicycles will help facilitate outreach programmes and improve monitoring on people under medication.
“I would also like to call upon well-wishers to help with raincoats, boots and umbrellas to use during the rainy season to ensure the volunteers continue their monitoring activities,” he said.
As part of the donation, St Michael’s Guilleme Community Hospital received 12 bicycles while Chipumi Health Centre will receive eight and Kazyozyo Health Centre will get 18.
The donation is made through Community Led Monitoring Project funded by the Global Fund with help from ActionAid
