Dzaleka Health Centre

About

Dzaleka Health Centre is situated at the heart of Dzaleka Refugee Camp, approximately 41 kilometers from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe. The facility operates Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM and Saturday, 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, providing essential primary healthcare services to both camp residents and surrounding Malawian communities.

Services

Primary Healthcare

• Comprehensive outpatient care for adults and children
• Treatment for common illnesses including malaria
• Emergency medical services
• General health consultations

Health Education

• Daily morning health education sessions
• Reproductive health awareness
• Malaria prevention strategies
• Nutrition education and counseling
• Community health awareness programs

Maternal and Child Health

• Antenatal care
• Delivery services
• Postnatal care
• Child health monitoring
• Growth and development tracking

Immunization Programs

• Routine vaccinations
• Prevention of common infectious diseases
• Child immunization schedules
• Vaccination campaigns

HIV Services

• Counseling and testing
• Antiretroviral therapy
• Support services for people living with HIV
• Prevention education

Nutrition Support

• Community management of acute malnutrition
• Special focus on child nutrition
• Nutritional counseling and education
• Growth monitoring

Family Planning

• Counseling services
• Contraceptive options
• Reproductive health education
• Family planning guidance

Laboratory Services

• Diagnostic tests
• Medical evaluations
• Blood work and analysis
• Disease screening

Community Impact

The facility serves over 70,000 individuals, with approximately 62% of patients coming from neighboring Malawian communities. This demonstrates the health centre’s vital role in providing healthcare not only to refugees but also to the host community.

Support and Partnerships

The health centre works with various organizations to enhance its services:

• There is Hope: Recently donated supplies worth K162 million to support operations
• CURE Malawi: Operates a mobile clinic within the camp, specializing in care for children with disabilities

Current Needs

As the facility continues to serve its growing community, it faces several challenges:

• High patient volume exceeding original facility capacity
• Need for additional medical supplies and medications
• Resource constraints affecting service delivery

The health centre welcomes support from organizations and individuals interested in helping maintain and improve its essential healthcare services.

Sources

1. Dzaleka Health Centre Impact - UNHCR Southern Africa
2. “The Impact of COVID-19 on Refugees in Dzaleka Refugee Camp” - Details about health education programs and community outreach
3. There is Hope Malawi - Information about medical supply donations and support
4. CURE Malawi - Details about specialized medical services for children with disabilities