Unicef, govt fix 6 vehicles at Karonga Hospital

Karonga district director of health and social services David Sibale has commended government and Unicef for fixing six utility vehicles and motorcycles at Karonga District Hospital.

In an interview on Thursday, he said the maintenance cost was K25 million as it included the purchasing of new tyres.

Said Sibale: “This will improve healthcare services in a number of ways. Firstly, it will ease referrals of patients from Karonga District Hospital toMzuzu Central Hospital.

“Second, it will save money for frequent maintenance of vehicles and motorbikes. However, we appeal for more support as we still have three vehicles that need maintenance.”

In a written response, Unicef acting representative Gerrit Maritz said his organisation acknowledges the critical role of transport in the health sector.

He said: “Various challenges, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and accessibility constraints due to flooding and the impact of Cyclone Freddy, have recently affected Malawi’s national immunisation programme. The government of Germany has generously provided funding to Unicef tosupport the Ministry of Health in enhancing routine immunisation efforts.

“Unicef, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is utilising this funding to facilitate the comprehensive rehabilitation of over 300 vehicles and 400 motorcycles deployed across the hospitals in Malawi. This initiative aims to strengthen routine immunisation delivery systems.”

Maritz further said among the 29 districts benefiting from this support, Karonga stands as a testament to the positive impact of this partnership.

He, therefore, said the repaired vehicles and motorcycles are expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening primary healthcare services, thereby providing more communities and children withaccess to essential healthcare services.

“Unicef is committed to leveraging this support to ensure that routine immunisation becomes moreaccessible, contributing to the overall well-being of children across Malawi,” he said.