Nestled 27 kilometres north-west of Lusaka in Zambia’s Central Province lies Mungule village, a place where tradition and progress have beautifully intertwined. Amidst the rural charm of traditional thatched huts, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of Anthu Omwe Health Centre, affectionately known for its modern features. The term “anthu omwe”, signifying ‘one people’,
embodies the unity and purpose that has united both community members and the dedicated staff under the roof of this new facility. Together, they share a common
goal: to foster a thriving and prosperous community through good health.

Levy Juma’s journey to recovery symbolizes the profound impact of this health facility on the lives of Mungule residents. Having been diagnosed with diabetes in December 2020 prompted him to seek treatment at a health facility approximately 10km from his home. “Before the launch of this new health centre, the distances to the other clinics seemed long, made worse by the persistent pain from the sores on my leg,” Mr. Juma solemnly recalled. Lack of transport left him in a state of despair, before the arrival of Anthu Omwe Health Centre. As his condition deteriorated, he received a referral to Matero Level One Hospital, but without adequate transportation, his visit remained postponed. “Transport was a significant challenge at the time, and my family could not afford to take me to the referred hospital,” he explained with visible emotion. However, a glimmer of hope emerged with the establishment of Anthu Omwe Health Centre. “My neighbour told me about the new health facility, and my family decided to take me there while confined to a wheelchair. Witnessing the severity of the spreading sores, the staff promptly referred me to Matero Level One Hospital. Just when I thought hope was fading, the new facility’s ambulance arrived,” he said. Following treatment, Mr Juma witnessed a gradual recovery and regained his ability to walk. He expressed gratitude for the invaluable care and treatment received from the health workers at Anthu Omwe Health Centre.

As tour of the facility proceeded, the impeccably furnished observation rooms and the presence of state-of-the-art amenities concealed any notion that this health centre is erected in a rural community. During the visit, the author encountered 55-year-old Melita Mutakwa, who appeared to be grappling with her breathing, emitting pronounced and rapid breaths. Ms. Mutakwa battles asthma and heart problems. She noted, “I feel that the medicine available here surpasses that of other health facilities. I used to suffer frequent asthma attacks, and every clinic visit resulted in prescriptions that required purchases in town. However, since I discovered this clinic, I have not needed to buy any medicine because everything I need is provided here,” she explained, her breathing labored. Ms. Mutakwa underscored the importance of Dream Life 260 continuing to offer free health services to the community, emphasizing the health center’s role as a sanctuary for the people of Mungule. “Due to my condition, my medical files are at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital. The presence of the ambulance here at Anthu Omwe clinic has made it immensely convenient for me to access treatment there whenever needed,” she said. Anthu Omwe Health Centre has ushered in a multitude of benefits for the Mungule community. Its presence has significantly reduced the difficult journeys community members had to endure to access healthcare services, ensuring timely treatment.

Anthu Omwe Health Centre has ushered in a multitude of benefits for the Mungule community. Its presence has significantly reduced the difficult journeys community members had to endure to access healthcare services, ensuring timely treatment. Kelvin Mutende, Mungule ward councillor, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the arrival of Anthu Omwe Health Centre. Mr. Mutende highlighted that the launch of this new health facility has significantly reduced the congestion at the existing Mungule Clinic, easing the burden on local healthcare services. He further commended the excellent services provided by the new facility, emphasizing its timeliness for the people of Mungule, who were in dire need of improved healthcare options. He extended an appeal to Mungule residents, urging them to collaborate closely with the health personnel at the facility, especially when community assistance is needed. Mr. Mutende emphasised that the existing healthcare facilities forced residents to cover approximately 10km to access medical services. “This is a challenge that has been effectively addressed by the intervention of Dream Life 260, which has brought healthcare closer to the people,” he said. Mr. Mutende noted that Anthu Omwe Health Centre has played a vital role in resolving transport challenges during emergency referrals, facilitating easier access to advanced treatment at the country’s major hospitals for the people of Mungule village.

Elijah Nkunde, Anthu Omwe Health Centre operations manager, recounts the journey of this remarkable facility. “Construction of the health centre commenced on October 9, 2022, and every aspect, from building to furnishing and
staff recruitment, spanned a dedicated eight to nine months,
culminating in its grand opening on June 5, 2023,” Mr Nkunde explained. He sheds light on the driving force behind this initiative, emphasising that the Anthu Omwe Health Centre project is administered by a local organisation named Dream Life 260. “This health centre embodies Dream Life 260’s primary goal of improving access to primary healthcare, reflecting their commitment to their first initiative, which is this health facility,” said Mr Nkunde.
As for the range of services provided, Mr Nkunde affirms
that the health facility offers comprehensive outpatient
services. “The facility boasts a laboratory for essential tests, a pharmacy dispensing free medications, observation rooms, an ambulance, and more,” he said. Mr Nkunde noted that the principle behind the facility’s operation is firmly rooted in evidence-based practice, ensuring that every aspect of treatment is supported by solid evidence. “Most importantly, all these services are extended to the community members free of charge,” he said. Mr Nkunde reveals that the inspiration for this health facility came from the project’s benefactors. “These philanthropists, who own a nearby farm, visited Mungule Health Centre while inspecting projects on their property. After witnessing the vital services offered to the community and considering the area’s population, which exceeds 12,700 people, they decided that
establishing a new health centre was the most impactful way to give back to the community and support the mother facility, Mungule Health Centre,” he said. Furthermore, Mr Nkunde says the community’s response to the facility has been overwhelming. He says in its first two months of operation, the centre attended to more than 5,400 people, almost half of its targeted population, and had over 32
ambulance referrals for emergency cases. This enthusiastic
response reaffirms the community’s appreciation for the
health centre and its invaluable services. Mr Nkunde
underscores Anthu Omwe Health Centre’s unwavering commitment to providing free healthcare services to the people of Mungule village, ensuring that the beacon of accessible and compassionate healthcare continues to shine brightly in their community. The community’s appreciation for this healthcare oasis is evident, reinforcing the centre’s commitment to offering free healthcare to Mungule village. As the sun continues to shine on Mungule village, Anthu Omwe Health Centre stands as a testament to the power of local initiatives and community
resilience. It serves not only as a place of healing but also as a symbol of hope, bridging the gap between tradition and progress in this serene corner of Zambia.