CSR Case Studies: Globe Metals and Mining Improving the quality of health care at Etandweni Health Post

THE CHALLENGE

Etandweni Health Post was previously a run-down facility providing childhood immunisations, family planning services, as well as nutrition and general health advice. It was staffed by a Health Surveillance Assistant (HSA) who was only trained to treat children under five. Adults had to travel to either to Emfeni or Simulemba to receive treatment.

Health officers travelled from either Emfeni or Mzimba on specific days to perform duties such as weighing babies, checking pregnant women and treating simple cases. Following a community consultation process, Globe committed to refurbishing the building and upgrading the facilities so that the clinic could provide improved health care for the local community.

Patients waiting at Emfeni for treatment – 25km from Etandweni

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This project aimed to provide effective, daily healthcare in close proximity to the local communities.

This was achieved through:

• Refurbishing the existing medical centre building;
• Providing a house for the HSA;
• Providing electricity for lights and a vaccine fridge;
• Improving access to water by providing a water bore and hand pump; and
• Providing essential medical equipment for the centre.

The project began in late 2011 and was completed in December 2012.

Construction of the HSA house

BENEFICIARIES OF THIS PROJECT

The improved Etandweni Health Post has benefited the local surrounding communities by improving access to medical services. The medical centre has encouraged people to go for more regular check-ups and has also reduced demand on the other two centres.

Around 38,057 people ( 49% males and 51% female0 have access to the improved facilities.

ENGAGEMENT WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS

The below organisations worked in partnership to plan and implement this project:

Global Health Alliance of Western Australia (GHAWA)
Globe and GHAWA worked in partnership to assess the need and develop the scope for this project. GHAWA consulted with the local community, Emfeni Health Centre and the Malawian College of Nursing to determine the improvements needed for the Etandweni Health Post.

Australian Government – AusAid, Direct Aid Programme
AusAid’s Direct Aid Programme, managed by the Australian High Commission, provided $A28,000 in funding to Globe for the project (53% of total project cost). This financed the installation of solar panels to provide electricity to the health clinic and the purchase and instalment of a vaccine fridge.

Malawi Ministry of Health
The Ministry prepared a list of items for procurement that was approved by the Government. An ongoing relationship with the Ministry has been established to ensure planned enhancements are approved with consideration for future capacity building.

Globe Metals and Mining

Globe contributed approximately 47% of the total project cost. This funding covered the building refurbishments, new buildings, water pump and medical equipment. As the project continues and once further action plans have been developed Globe will contribute further to building enhancements, medical equipment and training.

The project cost approximately $A53,000.

New bike for HSA worker ‘Albert’, to enable commuting between Emfeni and Etandweni

OUTCOMES TO DATE

Key outcomes from this project included:

• Increase in the number of people attending the Etandweni medical centre;
• Greater number of lifesaving vaccinations administered; and
• Improved awareness of personal healthcare throughout the community.

The positive support and involvement received from the Village Development Committee will ensure the sustainability of this project. In addition GHAWA is committed to further supporting this project including providing operational advice and training for nurses.

CONCLUSION

This project demonstrates how organisations can achieve social responsibility. Investment in engagement and consultation with key stakeholders in the initial stages of project planning can ensure the needs of a community are identified, and strategies can then be tailored to address these benefiting all partners.

For further information regarding this project please contact Globe Metals and Mining.