Impact

UVGI Launches Its First Health Initiative in Zomba, Malawi

The UVGI health initiative marked its start in Malawi, East Africa, on April, 2024 with the launch of a significant project aimed at supporting underserved communities in Liti and Ntima villages within the Traditional Authority Nkagula in Zomba. The primary objective of the project is to address critical health issues, specifically focusing on substance abuse and to implement community-based health intervention targeting substance abuse among youth in the community, with the overarching goal of promoting healthier lifestyles and saving lives impacted by these issues.

Step 1- Listening to the Voices

Community Women Engagement

In April 2024, UVGI held its first focus group discussion led by its founder and president, Dr. Hala Ghoson, alongside Mr. Brown Masingati, a well-respected community leader in Zomba District and founder of “Harmony Families and Communities” and women group from Ntima village. This session aimed to gather insights on substance abuse and other health-related concerns impacting the Ntima Village community. The group comprised 15 women of varying ages to ensure a balanced collection of data, with participants notably forthcoming in sharing extensive information.
After all the women introduced themselves, the Chief of the Ntima Village, Mrs. Ellen Mpesi, a well- known female leader in her community, opened the session by expressing her gratitude and highlighting the significance of addressing substance abuse issue, which could lead to transformative educational programs for the village. During the 90-minute discussion, the women identified several critical issues:

1. Community businesswomen brewing alcohol with harmful and toxic additives such as herbs and antiretroviral/HIV medications.
2. Widespread smoking of cannabis (ganja or Indian hemp) among both youth and adults.
3. Consumption of harmful medical drugs.
4. Eating of harmful herbs and stems.

Other health issues raised at the focus group discussion included hygiene-related concerns, cholera, malaria, cancer (breast and cervical cancer early detection), diabetes and hypertension education, and osteoporosis.

The root cause of these issues was attributed to a lack of knowledge and education on health, drug, and   substance abuse.

The women proposed several solutions:

1. Educating parents and youth about drug and substance abuse.
2. Organizing sports activities to keep the youth engaged.
3. Conducting comprehensive educational programs and awareness on many topics including the dangers of alcohol.
4. Implementing preventive care measures.

UVGI’s support for the community in Zomba district is unwavering with the emphasis on the importance of a step-by-step plan. Mr. Brown echoed same sentiments, promising continued efforts to engage more resources in the future. The women expressed their enthusiasm by singing and dancing, welcoming UVGI into their community and looking forward to future collaborations.

This initial engagement underscores UVGI’s commitment to empower communities by addressing health issues through community engagement, collaboration and educational initiatives. The project’s successful launch in April 2024 sets a promising foundation for continued efforts to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Ntima and Liti villages.

A Day with the Youth in Malawi

5th May , 2024

Step 1- Listening to Voices

Community Youth Engagement

On 5th May, 2024, UVGI held a youth focus group discussion in Liti village, involving five boys and five girls aged 15 to 27 years old, representing the community’s youth. The session aimed to listen to the voices and concerns of the youth and to explore health issues and other concerns affecting them, particularly substance abuse. The youth highlighted several critical issues:

1. Alcohol abuse.
2. The impact of cocaine.
3. Issues related to contraceptives.
4. Questions and myths surrounding medications.

UVGI health team provided advice and insights, emphasizing the dangers of nicotine and cocaine. The youth asked questions about the effects of nicotine and contraceptives, to which informed responses were provided.

The meeting, which lasted two hours, was highly productive, with the youth committing to act as change agents in their community.

They proposed several activities to raise awareness and engage their peers:

1. Organizing sports tournaments.
2. Creating theatre to engage community members.
3. Developing dancing skills.
4. Conducting community awareness campaigns.
5. Using traditional dances to convey messages.
6. Engaging in farming activities to support the initiative financially.
7. Visiting fellow youths to spread awareness.
8. Holding monthly youth get-togethers.

The enthusiastic participation and commitment of the youth to outreach activities demonstrated the initiative’s positive impact and potential for sustainable community engagement. This session exemplifies UVGI’s commitment to empowering youth and addressing critical health issues through collaborative and innovative approaches.