Blantyre, Malawi — June 11, 2025.
South Lunzu Health Centre, a critical healthcare facility serving thousands in Blantyre, is currently operating without a medical waste incinerator — a development that is putting public health and environmental safety at serious risk. According to the Officer In-Charge, Oscar Soko, all medical waste generated at the centre is being disposed of in an open pit.
This unsanitary method of disposal has led to stray dogs dragging hazardous materials into surrounding communities, exposing residents to infectious diseases and undermining preventive healthcare efforts. Soko described the situation as alarming, noting that the lack of an incinerator is compromising the facility’s ability to adhere to basic infection prevention and control standards.
The challenges at South Lunzu Health Centre, however, extend beyond waste management. Patients at the facility have raised further concerns over the absence of an ambulance and a guardian shelter, which they say continue to impact service delivery and patient care. In emergencies, the lack of an ambulance delays critical referrals to larger hospitals, often endangering lives.
Meanwhile, guardians—those who accompany and care for admitted patients—are forced to sleep outside due to the lack of a proper shelter, enduring harsh weather and unsafe conditions. One patient expressed frustration, saying that while the staff do their best, the lack of basic infrastructure makes the experience at the facility unnecessarily difficult and undignified.
The situation highlights the broader implications of under-equipped health centres in Malawi. Fully functioning healthcare facilities are essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and the surrounding community. Equipment such as incinerators are not optional luxuries—they are vital for maintaining hygienic conditions and preventing the spread of infections.
Similarly, ambulances are crucial for emergency response, and guardian shelters offer a safe and humane space for caregivers, particularly in rural and peri-urban settings where families often travel long distances for medical help.
As the healthcare crisis at South Lunzu Health Centre worsens, the call for immediate intervention grows louder. Community members, patients, and healthcare workers are appealing to the government, NGOs, and well-wishers to step in and assist with essential resources.
They stress that timely support could save lives and restore dignity to a facility that continues to serve a growing population under immense strain. Without urgent action, the health and safety of the community remain at risk, and the goals of improving Malawi’s primary healthcare system face a significant setback.
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