DOMASI HEALTH CENTER IMPACT

In Malawi, rural communities often grapple with healthcare challenges due to limited resources and long distances. This force individuals to walk long distances to seek medical care, with women and children bearing the heaviest burden, especially, as they are often the primary caregivers and are more vulnerable to health risks associated with inadequate access to healthcare services.

Women, in particular, may face increased risks during pregnancy and childbirth without proper medical attention, while children may suffer from preventable illnesses due to delays in seeking treatment. Thus, the healthcare disparities in rural Malawi not only impact the overall community health but also exacerbate existing gender and age-related inequalities.

Domasi Rural Hospital stands as a beacon of hope in Malawi, serving 36,000 people and addressing pressing health issues such as HIV/AIDS and maternal health. Despite facing shortages, the hospital, with 65 monthly births, is a beacon of hope.

Freshwater Project International (FPI), in partnership with Xylem, Engineers Without Borders (EWB), and the Zomba District Health Office, has successfully upgraded and rehabilitated the WASH services at the Domasi Rural Hospital. In just five months, this initiative has transformed the hospital’s water and sanitation infrastructure, significantly benefiting more than 30,000 residents across 61 villages.

Before the intervention, the hospital faced severe WASH challenges, including a lack of reliable water storage and outdated, leaking pipes. The project's key upgrades included the installation of a new 10,000-liter water tank, replacement of corroded galvanized pipes with durable HDPE pipes, and the extension of the water distribution network to additional hospital rooms. New handwashing basins, sinks, and shower fixtures were installed, and the wastewater system was significantly improved with new drainage aprons, soakaway pits, and storm drains.

Additionally, the hospital's operational capacity was boosted with the integration of a Solar+ backup generator, ensuring a reliable power supply for essential services. These improvements have drastically enhanced the hospital's ability to provide continuous, high-quality care.

However, the journey doesn’t end here. FPI through support from Project C.U.R.E. is set to deliver essential medical supplies, ensuring that Domasi Rural Hospital can continue to serve its community effectively.

Benjamin Aluba, the facility in-charge, expressed deep gratitude: “We are so grateful for the works FPI and its partners or implementing the WASH project at Domasi Rural Hospital. Now, we have easy water access throughout the facility, facilitating hygiene practices."

This successful project not only enhances the hospital's operational capabilities but also alleviates the burden on women and children setting a compassionate example for future WASH initiatives in rural Malawi, ensuring better healthcare for all.