There are now new stories of hope and excitement as communities, especially pregnant women in Senior Chief Ngabu can’t believe they will be spared from the cruel coverage of long distances to access medical care following the construction of the K73 million-Therere Health Center and other critical facilities.
Member of Parliament for Chikwawa Nkombezi, Abida Mia has constructed the health facility with financial support from the Japanese Embassy.
Isaac Magasu of Ngabu Area Development Committee said the facility would reduce distances people covered in search of medical treatment.
“People around areas of Chamanga, Jereyati, Kutama, Beka, Mbwanda, Chang’ambika, Botibzya, Therere and Njobvu were compelled to travel over 10 kilometers to Nkumaniza Health in the south west or 34 and 47 kilometres to Ngabu Rural Hospital and Nchalo Hunger Health south and north respectively only for them to access health services,” said Magasu.
Group Village Head Therere believes the new health facility will save lives in the area mainly pregnant mothers and children.
In his remarks, Councilor for Alumenda Ward in Chikwawa Nkombezi, who is also Chairperson for Chikwawa district council, Wesley Khofati Malunga said as elected leaders, they utilised the village plan which demanded a health facility in the area to respond to the needs of the people.
Mia says she felt pity to see pregnant mothers and infants travelling long distances only for antenatal and delivery services.
“I am a woman and I know what most women go through when time of delivery comes. I also know what happens when a child gets sick hence the construction of Therere Health Center so that women and children can access quality health services easily. I want to thank our funders, Japanese Embassy for the monetary support,” says Mia.
Meanwhile, Chikwawa District Health Office spokesperson, Settie Piriminta says the new falicity will reduce the congestion of two facilities of Nkumaniza and Ngabu.
Currently, Therere Health Centre will be serving a population of 30, 000 with others from neighboring Mozambique.
