By Vincent Gunde
World Vision Malawi is now working with partners- AG Care and MAICC implementing Maternal Child Health and Livelihood and Resilience project in the areas of Traditional Authorities Kayembe and Chakhaza in Dowa district.
World Vision started operating in T/A Kayembe in 1994 and T/A Chakhaza in 2006 implementing interventions that are addressing food scarcity, Health and Nutrition, WASH, Child Protection, and Education using different models.
The organization transitioned from Lipiri Area Program in 2024 after working in the area from 2006, its sustainability measures are in place, community structures will carry on the implementation of interventions for the area.
Giving updates to the District executive committee (Dec) in Dowa, WV Programs Manager Arnold Tsalayekha said the project is aimed at improving the quality of life of Under-Five children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age in the area of T/A Chakhaza -Kasangadzi Area Program.
Tsalayekha said the project has reached out to 44 HSA’s, 24 Village Clinic, and 40 care groups, being implemented alongside with its key partners such as the Ministry of Health, District Nutrition Coordinating Committee, District Health Officer and District Aids Coordinating Committee.
He said some of the activities implemented in the project included supporting DHO with funds to conduct a 4-days training for One-Stop Centre, 3 village clinic and Mobile clinic and supervision in schools.
The Manager said the project faced challenges during implementation such as migration of Care group volunteers, continued drug stock out in village clinic (Amoxil, Zinc, Eye Ointment and ORS) and low male involvement in maternal and child health and negligence of some Caregivers to child care.
Tsalayekha said in the Financial Year 2025, WV has plans to construct an improved standard village clinic at Sungeni, train CHAG Committee on their roles and responsibilities, conduct social behavior change and communications awareness on malaria, ART and diarrhea prevention and management, among others.
“We will support 3 outreach clinics for Youth Friendly Services, World Aids Day Commemoration and conducting 2 mass screenings of children including other vulnerable children and facilitate their referrals for proper care and treatment,” he said.
In his remarks, Dowa District Council’s Director of Administration Thomas Mwafongo thanked WV for complimenting government efforts towards improvement of quality life of children and adults in the district appealing to partners to support the project for the good of the Dowa people.
