Health Care

The provision of proper health care can often make a dramatic difference to a community, particularly in rural Africa, where people often have to travel vast distances for medical assistance of make use of inadequate existing clinics. One of the main ways in which we contribute towards better health is by facilitating the building of new clinics in the communities or upgrading existing medical facilities. Health workers are encouraged to work at the clinics by providing them with accommodation nearby.

As an example, since 1995, the people living near &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal no longer have to travel far for professional medical assistance. The 24-hour Mduku Clinic cares for approximately 12 000 people in the area, dramatically improving standards of health. Many a child in the area has been born in the Clinic's new maternity ward, which cares for expecting mothers. High quality medical care is provided for all community members, with a link to the Mseleni Hospital through the Zululand Flying Doctors Service ensuring quick and professional help for even the seriously ill.

Similarly, in Tanzania, the ten-room Ololosokwan clinic, which was renovated and expanded in 2008, cares for more than three Maasai communities with a population of approximately 10 000. Thanks to help from &Beyond and its guests, and in partnership with the government of Tanzania, the Africa Foundation is ceaselessly working to expand the clinic still further, enabling it to provide basic health care, family planning and Aids awareness. 

"Before the clinic was built we would administer out treatments under a tree in a group consultation. Now we have private consulting rooms where patients feel good about receiving their treatment confidentially."

Nurse Gumede, Head Nurse, Mduku Clinic

Just as water is a lifeline to the vast herds of African wildlife, so it is to the people of Africa. With water shortages in many parts of Africa, people in rural areas often have to walk long distances every day to fetch water, sometimes making more than one trip per day. For the Africa Foundation, the challenge was to make this daily task easier and less demanding for the women and children who are often the ones carrying it out.

Hippo water rollers

A simple and relatively cheap solution to the problem of transporting water, the Africa Foundation has distributed thousands of Hippo Water Rollers to rural communities. This innovative design consists of a barrel-shaped container similar to an old fashioned drum lawnmower, designed to transport 90 litres of water. The large, durable drum has a tough construction that can withstand uneven footpaths, rocks and even broken bottles, as well as a sealed lid to keep water fresh. Using one of these ingenious rollers, even a child can collect water easily and without effort, often turning this chore into a fun game!

Water tanks and guttering

Relieving heat and thirst for man and animals, rain is always considered a blessing in Africa and harvesting rainwater can provide for the needs of many communities. The Africa Foundation provides water tanks, guttering, taps, water pumps and boreholes to communities. This sustainable means of water provision delivers water directly to the users.

Good nutrition is essential for communities to remain healthy and is particularly important for younger children. Not only is proper nutrition essential for development, but concentration levels and learning are improved when children are well-fed and energetic. Working together with the communities and with government health departments, the Africa Foundation has taken steps to support schoolchildren in receiving the appropriate nutrition. In order to ensure that young learners are properly fed and can concentrate on their studies, kitchens have been identified by teachers, parents and community leaders as essential, and have been built by the Africa Foundation at numerous community schools.

No feeding programme is complete without food and, with this in mind, the Africa Foundation had provided training and materials to start permaculture gardens at the schools. Cared for by students, teachers and community volunteers, these gardens provide enough vegetables for a healthy meal for all the children. Some produce enough to sell to the community, making extra money for the school.

"You are able to see further when you stand on the shoulders of a giant. &Beyond, you are our giant and for that we thank you."

Margaret Dzambukeri, Headmistress at Mahlekisana Primary School, Welverdiend

"We are already able to deliver healthy, nutritious food parcels to over 700 orphans in the village. There is great potential to intensify the planting on this plot so that we can grow more food and maybe even supply nearby markets."

Mr Qwabe, Chairman for the village clinic, KwaJobe, near &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.