By Gloria Asante Mvula

Mchinji, December 15, Mana: Catholic Health Commission has donated 12 bicycles to community health volunteers at St Michael's Guilleme Community Hospital to ease transportation during health monitoring in their communities.

The donation comes as a result of issue identification by community health action groups (CHAGS) who raised the problem of mobility, as it was difficult to reach other areas during health monitoring.

Speaking on Friday with Malawi News Agency, Sister Margaret Lupiya, Acting Assistant to the Director of Social Services and Development of Lilongwe Archdiocese, at St Michaels Guilleme Hospital said the bicycles will be of great help to community health volunteers.

"It is hard to ascertain health problems in the communities if there is no data, as the number of health problems collected by data collectors help in coming up with interventions," said sister Lupiya.

Ellen Sinjani a Community health nurse was grateful for the donation made.

"I am happy with Catholic Health Commission for this donation and we would like those who have received the bicycles to put them into great use and that the bicycles should serve their purpose,” she said.

Richard Salijeni Chairman of St Michael's Guilleme Community Hospital said he is thankful for the donation that the facility has received, as the bicycles will shorten the distance to go for outreach programmes, health monitoring and meeting defaulters of treatment.

"I would also like to call upon well-wishers be it governmental or Non-governmental organizations to help with raincoats, boots and umbrellas during this rainy season so that health monitoring can be done easily," Salijeni added.

St Michael's Guilleme Community Hospital has received 12 bicycles while Chipumi will receive eight and Kazyozyo 18 as part of the donation made by the Catholic Health Commission.

The donation is being made through Community Led Monitoring Project funded by the Global Fund with help from Action Aid.