In May I was lucky enough to travel to Blantyre, southern Malawi, to report on some fantastic health projects that are working to improve the lives of people in the warm heart of Africa
- More than 100 children die from rabies every day around the world. The virus, transmitted through the saliva of infected people and animals, almost always proves fatal once symptoms begin to show. Studies have concluded that the easiest and most cost-effective way to stop its spread is by vaccinating enough dogs – and one charity is doing just that. Mission Rabies started its campaign in India and is now moving on to Malawi. Report here
- In many countries medical technology is often associated with white and gleaming rooms. But in the dusty environments of sub-Saharan African countries where power supplies can be unreliable, medical equipment does not always function well… or at all in many cases. Simple items such as a fish tank pump alongside locally produced equipment is proving to be more appropriate for African hospitals. Report here
- People living with HIV need to have the virus levels in their blood monitored to make sure their treatment is working.But in remote areas, getting access to quick and reliable tests can be difficult. Now Medecins Sans Frontieres has simplified the process of taking a drop of blood from the finger to the lab, so that people can get their results more quickly. It is now being trialled in Thyolo district in southern Malawi, where roughly 15% of the population are HIV positive. Report here
- It’s not always easy to spot the signs of serious illness in children. Often parents can wait too long to seek treatment. But even when they do reach the clinic, patients in sub-Saharan Africa can often find themselves at the back of a very long queue. Now medical staff in Blantyre are using strips of coloured paper to help make sure the sickest children are seen first. Report here
