![]() |
Worthing Salvation Army |
![]() |
|||
| With Heart to God and Hand to Man | |||||
| Serving the Community since 1883 | Overseas Project 2009 |
| Bicycle Ambulances for Malawi |
|
If we have an accident or require urgent medical assistance, help is not too far away. Even in remote areas transport to hospital is available. Thank you Lord for the medical facilities and transportation that we enjoy and so often take for granted. Help us to remember that in many countries throughout our world people do not have these facilities. The Salvation Army is now working in 118 countries throughout the world. One of the poorest countries is Malawi, situated in Southern Africa, sandwiched between the much larger countries of Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique.
The Salvation Army in Malawi, in consultation with local community
leaders, wanted to reduce deaths by improving transportation. They knew
a bush ambulance would give the ill quick and proper medical support.
The “ambulance” is a thin mattress/stretcher on wheels attached to the
back of a basic bicycle. Each unit costs around £340 and our project
aims to provide 25 new bicycle ambulances at a cost of £8,050. As
a corps, we can help to reduce the number of reported deaths caused by
transport problems and also increase access to health and medical
services, for the vulnerable in rural communities. This is how it works. In each community, a representative committee is formed to oversee the day to day running of the project. They take responsibility for the care, repair, management and sustainability of the bush ambulances through fundraising. When a sickness is reported the committee members are the ones that collect the ambulance from where it is stored in order to ensure security and avoid misuse of the ambulance. Training is given in the use and maintenance of the bicycles to ensure that they are properly used and cared for by the communities. Where possible Salvation Army corps officers are involved in the care and knowledge of how the bikes are used.
Because The
Salvation Army in Malawi already has ambulances in place, we know that
the project works. Within a few months, the results were
positive. There was a noticeable reduction in infection and death rate.
We know that patients are benefiting from the project, including
pregnant mothers, HIV/AIDS patients, malnourished children and other
chronically ill members of the communities. A local chief said, :
“The Salvation Army saved us from the death that was claiming many lives
in this village through HIV/AIDS, malaria, water-borne diseases,
chronically ill, orphans and vulnerable children, the aged, emergencies
and maternal problems. Please continue your support.” Lieut. Colonels Goff and Diane Payne are British officers in charge of SA work in Malawi. Goff wrote, “May I say how grateful we are that Worthing Corps is raising funds for this venture. We are indebted to people like you and corps like Worthing for the tremendous support given.”
|