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A quarter of Malawi’s population survive on just one meagre meal a day. Another hardship is the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which is decimating the working population. Faced with these difficulties, the Anglican Church is reaching out through the provision of vital healthcare.
In the Diocese of Upper Shire, USPG supports two hospitals, a network of health centres covering 12,000 square miles, and a home-based care programme. St Luke’s, in Malosa, is the oldest of the two diocesan hospitals. It started life in the 1940s as a medical centre for missionaries. Since then it has been rebuilt and opened to the general population.
Refurbishments in 1971 added new facilities, including a children’s ward, maternity ward, outpatient department, offices and stock rooms. The hospital also runs a successful school of nursing, which is currently producing some of the best exam results in the country, with approximately 30 students qualifying each year.
St Martin’s, the diocese’s other hospital, is based in Malindi, on the eastern shore of Lake Malawi. And between the two hospitals there are eight health centres, which are like mini-hospitals with inpatient facilities.