Zambia: Residents of Chitilila in Mambwe District in the Eastern Province have appealed to the government to construct a health facility in the area. Presently, the people of the various communities in the district have to travel long distances to get treatments.
The people have been struggling with a lack of medical facilities in the vicinity of the district, which forces them to spend more time, energy and money on getting treatment. The people of the country have called on the government to remedy the situation.
Spokesperson for the area, Eunice Mukango of Mwando village also seconded the demand of the people. He claimed pregnant women especially face challenges in accessing health care services to the nearest health facility due to long distances.
Mukango revealed that the nearest facility, Chilanga Health Post located several kilometres away. Accordingly, expectant mothers are reportedly giving birth while in transit to the health facility. Such a situation can potentially cause harm to the health of the baby as well as the mother.
“The nearest Health facility we can access is Chilanga Health Post which is over 10 kilometers from Chitilila. As you see me, I have once given birth on the road because the health facility is far.
“ Therefore, the government should consider constructing a health facility in Chitilila,” she pleaded.
Area spokesperson Mukango reasoned that constructing a health facility in her area would benefit the community. She claimed that transport is not readily available in her area, which makes the construction critical for the welfare of the people.
She added that other than facing transport challenges, the presence of wild animals is another challenge that worries the community in her area.
“We live in a Game Management Area, as such animals pose a challenge, especially when we have to walk on foot to access medical services. In addition, during the rainy season, the roads become impassable which is another challenge,” she explained.
Another resident, Alice Phiri, said the government should address the disparity in terms of access to health services as health care is a universal right.