While we in the Western world have fierce debates over the best possible form of healthcare, the people in Malawi have access to almost none. In Malawi there are just .03 physicians for every 1,000 people, a rate almost 100 times lower than in the United States. HIV/AIDS is an epidemic in Malawi, with over 10% of the adult population infected. Largely as a result of this crisis there are over 1 million orphans in Malawi. The people of Malawi are also at extremely high risk of Malaria, with roughly 6 million cases every year. The easily preventable illnesses that plague the people of Malawi lead to days not going to school, not earning money, not tending crops and of course tragic and senseless deaths.
Villages in Partnership is determined to end this terrible cycle of poverty and disease and funds a host of health initiatives. Our very first project was the rebuilding of the Kalupe clinic where we continue to fund a weekly health clinic and nutrition program. Knowing the incredible shortage of trained medical personnel in Malawi, VIP has sent two Malawian medics back to school with an agreement with the District Health Commission that the medics will serve in VIP’s catchment area for the next 5 years. VIP also distributes mosquito nets to expectant mothers, children under 5 and the elderly. VIP funds youth development projects that provide training and education on HIV/AIDS and other health-related issues as well as sanitation projects.
Since 2010, Villages in Partnership has been sending a medical team every year into the remote villages of the Sakata region in Malawi to bring health care to thousands of people who live where there are no medical clinics. The USA team joins with Malawian medics to provide health and dental care to the most vulnerable and sick, those too weak to walk to clinic.
The goal of VIP is to increase access to quality health care to foster a healthier Malawian populace who is then able to participate in the country’s economic development.
