Nakatindi Health Clinic Update – Child Health Week

Nakatindi Health Clinic Treats 3,300 Children During Child Health Week

ZAMBIA | During the last week of June, hundreds of mothers arrived at the Nakatindi Health Clinic to receive free health care for their children during Zambia’s country-wide initiative, Child Health Week. The week was a joint effort between the government health staff and the community volunteer healthcare workers, to encourage all mothers to visit a health facility and receive vital care for their children.

The health status of children under five in Zambia is below acceptable levels, resulting in extremely high rates of infant mortality. A combination of infectious diseases in particular malaria, undernutrition, and vitamin A deficiency are prime causes of these high rates among Zambian children. In 2004, the Ministry of Health created Child Health Week as a country-wide targeted activity to reach children younger than five years old, with lifesaving interventions including immunizations and Vitamin A supplements.

With the new Nakatindi Maternity Ward now established within Nakatindi Community as a place for both expectant and new mothers to come and receive care, there was a continuous stream of mothers coming through the doors with their children to receive a check-up! A large focus was placed on malnutrition, correcting eyesight and de-worming during this week-long program. Any children displaying signs of malnutrition were referred to the general hospital for more specialized care and ongoing monitoring. Throughout the week, the Nakatindi clinic staff treated over 3,300 children, all with the support of our guests who have generously contributed to the health clinic and new maternity ward!

Visit this Project

Guests can visit Nakatindi, a village bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. Guests have the option to grab a bike from the local bike shop and pedal on to see firsthand how the community is building a brighter future with A&K Philanthropy, touring the village, health clinic, school and brand-new maternity ward.