It is said that, “Life has no formula.” There may be other views that define life, but the most important one is that it is a God given gift to all living things. Depending on the environment in which we live life can be long and 
prosperous, or short and painful. For those living in the poor nation of Malawi the latter can often be the plight of the young. Visiting health centers in many parts of Malawi, I have come to realize some diseases are prevalent in all regions of the country. We suffer most often from malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, meningitis, eye infections, oral conditions, skin conditions and a number of other problems not so often seen in the western nations. Besides this HIV/AIDS related suffering, tuberculosis and cancer are a challenge that we often cannot control, or even influence.
Gowa health Center is located 193 kilometers north of Zomba, about 40 km off the Blantyre–Lilongwe road in Central Malawi. Recently I made a visit to this facility and saw yet again the intense need for all of us to join hands to deal with the suffering of common people.
Entering the in children’s ward I found a 4-year-old-boy battling for life. He was inching ever closer to the death line. There was hope, the mother narrated from the bedside, “There is a change now. When we came here last night the situation was worse.” Little James was bathed in sweat and breathing fast. Although he had received medical attention he was in critical pain. Perhaps there is enough medicine and medical care, and perhaps they got him to the hospital in time. Perhaps James will live this time. Perhaps!
Located in a remote village, this center has been bringing hope to many people like James for 75 years. Like many other centers country wide, the facility is faced with numerous challenges. Acquiring drugs, supplies and equipment remains an unachievable task to adequately serve the large populations in this remote area.
Just like in many other health care facilities, the Malawi Project has been knocking on this facility’s door often. The supply of medical supplies and equipment has been channeled to this center for close to a decade now. Unlike other centres in urban areas where people choose where to get medical treatment, people in this area have no choice or they suffer at home. Therefore any case where no supplies are available can mean a loss of life.
By Wilson Tembo