The Association of Women in Religious Institutes of Malawi (AWIRIM) Health Care Network has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the first phase of its health care support project for people living in rural areas.
This was highlighted during a meeting held in Lilongwe, where sisters from different congregations involved in the project reviewed the outcomes of the first phase and discussed strategies for implementing the second phase.
Speaking at the meeting, Project Coordinator Sister Teleza Mulenga of the Teresian Sisters said the gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on key issues, particularly on how to strengthen the delivery of health care services in the communities where the sisters are working.
Sister Mulenga noted that they are pleased with the results from the first phase, though she acknowledged that there are areas that need improvement to ensure greater success in the second phase.
“From the reports we have received from different congregations from the first phase of the project, we are satisfied, and we also hope that the second phase will be more successful based on what we have discussed and outlined from this meeting,” she said.
Sister Maureen Chalamanda of the Congregation of Our Lady of Amersfoort, who serves as a nurse at Kalembo Hospital in the Catholic Diocese of Chikwawa, explained that the project has made it easier for many rural residents to access health care for various illnesses.
Meanwhile, Sister Alexina Mwale of the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, serving at Ludzi Hospital in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, expressed hope that the health care initiative will continue to expand in her area as her congregation has now joined the network.
Currently, two congregations, the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa and the Sisters of Divine Providence, have joined the network.
The AWIRIM Health Care Network is working to provide health services to rural communities, focusing on diseases such as non-communicable diseases, hypertension, mental health disorders and diabetes.
By Titus Jata Phiri