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.