Ntcheu Child Survival Project (NCSP) USAID/Africare Malawi
Kateza is a village of approximately 1,100 inhabitants. It is situated
in Ntcheu District's Ganya Traditional Authority. The village is located
seven kilometers from the nearest health facility, Chikande Health Center.
In Kateza, there have been frequent attacks of malaria and diarrhea.
These diseases claim many lives, especially those of children.
Mosquitoes are abundant throughout the year because the village is
situated near a large dam. A shortage of drugs at the hospital often
compels patients to go home without treatment. The little money available
is wasted on transport and drugs have to be purchased at the local store
for a higher cost. These drugs, sold without a prescription are very
often expired putting the patient at risk.
During late 1999, Africare, with funding from USAID, began the Ntcheu
Child Survival Project (NCSP). Kateza was selected as one of the target
villages. As part of the project's implementation plan, a Drug Revolving
Fund center was established in the village. The community was asked
to select a ten-member committee to oversee Fund activities. The community
was also asked to select two "dispensers," who were trained
to provide treatment to patients. The committee and dispensers were
provided with starter packs of drugs including SP, Paracetamol, oral
rehydration salts and eye ointment.
Today, patients from Kateza and other neighboring villages are receiving
affordable treatments without traveling long distances. They have pledged
to continue supporting the program so that their grandsons and granddaughters
may also enjoy the fruits of the project.
Treatment without Frustration
Ntcheu Child Survival Project (NCSP) USAID/Africare Malawi
