It’s a sweltering November morning, and the Bwaila Hospital complex is abuzz with activity. Amidst the bustle, a newly constructed building stands out – the Reproductive and Sexual Health (RuSH) Clinic, a beacon of hope for reproductive and sexual healthcare. As the clinic opens its doors at 8 a.m., clients stream in, submitting their health passports as part of an efficient booking system. This streamlined process ensures timely access to care. Following registration, clients participate in civic education sessions, empowering them with essential knowledge on reproductive and sexual health.
The new RuSH Clinic addresses critical healthcare needs in Malawi using an innovative approach. By integrating education, specialized care, and expert partnerships, the facility sets a new standard. UNC Project-Malawi, partnering with the Malawi Ministry of Health and the Lilongwe District Health Office, brings invaluable expertise to the table.
According to Dr. Mitch Matoga, Director of STI Research and Clinical Services at UNC Project Malawi, the RuSH Clinic treats 80-100 clients in each working day, about 20,000 annually. This staggering figure underscores the clinic’s impact on the community, reducing wait times and increasing access to vital services.
The Global Burden
The global burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains alarming, with over 1 million curable STIs acquired daily, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2020, WHO estimated 374 million new infections with one of four major STIs: chlamydia (129 million), gonorrhoea (82 million), syphilis (7.1 million), and trichomoniasis (156 million). Furthermore, genital herpes affects over 490 million people, while an estimated 300 million women live with HPV, the primary cause of cervical and anal cancers. Additionally, hepatitis B affects 254 million people worldwide, as of 2022. These figures underscore the urgent need for improved STI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services.
From Tiny to Roomy Spaces – Thanks to Hyman and Marietta Bielsky
The clinic’s construction was made possible through generous funding from the family of Hyman and Marietta Bielsky.
At the launch event, UNC Project International Director Professor Irving Hoffman expressed his gratitude, highlighting the significant growth of the STI treatment services, which began in a single room at Kamuzu Central Hospital.
“We are grateful to our donors for funding this spectacular building. Our previous building, used for the past 30 years, was so very inadequate. The new facility can accommodate and facilitate all of the exciting STI research we are conducting in collaboration with members of the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, including Mitch Matoga and me, Alex Duncan, Sarah Rutstein, Arlene Sena, Rob Krysiak, Jane Chen, Bill Miller, Angela Parcesepe, Kathy Lancaster and many others.”
The newly completed facility is highlighted by an iconic mural just completed by metal artists Elsa Hoffman and Michael Kapalamula, using imagery from the surrounding urban environment to depict people RuSH-ing to the clinic. The central emblem depicts the four pillars of the clinic’s mission: clinical care, research, training and collaboration. Of note, within this emblem the artists skillfully incorporated some of the major etiologic STI pathogens: syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomonas and HIV.
UNC Project Country Director Mr. Innocent Mofolo congratulated the MAGIi study team (gonorrhea vaccine) on completing participant enrollment.
“We also thank all the staff at the Bwaila STI care facility for their services. Your work motivated our international director to secure funds for this new facility.”
Dr. Mitch Matoga, Director of STI Research and Clinical Services, praised the funders and Professor Hoffman’s efforts.
“Great appreciation should go to Irving for utilizing his network to sponsor this project. I’m proud to have seen our STI treatment services in Lilongwe grow from a team of 8 at Kamuzu Central Hospital to this impressive facility that employs 50.”
Matoga added: ”The main challenge was space and an inviting working environment. We had very few rooms to treat patients and see research participants. The rooms were also very small too. Our new facility includes 14 counseling and exam rooms, a pharmacy, lab and conference space.”
Clinic’s Significance
The RuSH Clinic’s significance extends beyond numbers. By prioritizing reproductive and sexual health, it will tackle pressing issues in Malawi.
“This clinic represents a critical step forward in addressing these needs, and we’re proud to be part of it,” said Matoga.
As the RuSH Clinic continues to transform lives, its influence will undoubtedly ripple throughout the region. With its commitment to comprehensive care and innovative approach, this facility shines as a model for reproductive and sexual healthcare excellence.
The RuSH Clinic boasts a comprehensive layout, featuring a welcoming reception area, a dedicated health education area, a state-of-the-art laboratory, private physician rooms, confidential counseling rooms, and a spacious 20-seater conference room.
This thoughtfully designed ensures a seamless and holistic experience for clients, addressing their physical, emotional, and educational needs under one roof, where they can access vital services ranging from client intake and orientation to personalized consultations, efficient testing, sensitive discussions, workshops, training, and community events.
-Callisto Sekeleza