May 2018
Mduku Clinic: A living gift
We make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill
Giving is a profound action. It sets in motion a process of dynamic change, a living legacy touching uncountable lives, and many generations. Mduku Clinic (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) is an example of just such a gift. In 1993, it was simply a mobile clinic, serving over 33 000 community members with some basic services on a fortnightly basis. For those in need of anything more, hospital facilities were a formidable 70 km (43.4 mi.) away.
How have things changed?
To date, no less than 55 000 lives have benefitted from this long-term project, started way back in 1993 to serve the needs of three communities neighbouring on &Beyond’s Phinda Private Game Reserve. By 1995, thanks to the huge generosity of Phinda and our community partner Africa Foundation’s sponsors, Mduku Clinic was a permanent structure with three consulting rooms, a pharmacy, a maternity room, post-natal care room, duty room, dressing room and kitchen.
And it hasn’t stopped there. Over the succeeding 23 years, further donor support has enabled other significant developments including extending the clinic to include a women and childrens’ wing, accommodation for nurses, and doctors’ accommodation due to commence construction next year. From those early days when a nurse visited the community every two weeks, now doctors are on hand, together with other medical professionals including physiotherapists, dieticians, mental health clinicians, and a dentist who visit regularly. A staggering 1 500 community members are now helped each day.
What special services does the clinic offer?
The clinic provides a 24-hour emergency service, together with treatment for a range of common and serious conditions such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
It was in 1982 that the first case of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection was reported in South Africa. This was the start of the first wave of the country’s HIV epidemic. Within the rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, the spread was explosive. The future solution to this crisis lay in two words: prevention and management.
Once again, the living gift of Mduku Clinic set in motion all those years ago, came to the aid of the community with a range of pro-active HIV/AIDS measures: a voluntary testing and counselling service, together with a dedicated programme for the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of the virus.
And so the legacy of Mduku Clinic continues its life-changing course, and always with the deepest gratitude to each and every benefactor that has been part of this journey.
How do I leave a legacy?
It’s easy to create your own living gift. Follow your heart and choose from a multitude of impactful projects facilitated by our community partner, Africa Foundation. This is your moment to start a new ripple. Who knows where it will go?
Africa Foundation is registered in South Africa, UK and USA. You may be eligible for tax benefits by donating within your country of residence.
Based in the USA?
Donate to Africa Foundation (USA)
Based in the UK?
Donate to Africa Foundation (UK)
Based in the rest of the world?
Donate to Africa Foundation (RSA)
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