One to One Africa is excited to unveil our new Mobile Clinic, generously sponsored by our women’s giving circle, iThemba. This mobile clinic is designed to bridge the accessibility gap, reaching Last Mile Communities that are currently inaccessible to our Mentor Mother network and the government's community healthcare worker network.
Last Mile Communities often grapple with major barriers to healthcare. Medical facilities like government clinics and hospitals, already strained with supply shortages and limited personnel, become virtually unreachable due to vast distances and deteriorating road conditions.
Addressing this issue, One to One Africa partnered with the Eastern Cape Department of Health in 2019. Our collaborative efforts led to training and support for 27 government Community Health Workers across nine community health centres. Adopting the Mentor Mother model, we ensured quality primary healthcare reached those living beyond the Last Mile — the communities most desperate for medical intervention. The idea of the Mobile Clinic was born when our Mentor Mothers identified the pressing need to overcome the challenges posed by distant medical facilities in these underserved communities.
Aiming to assist over 1,500 people monthly, our Mobile Clinic will venture into areas currently out of reach for both mentor mothers and government health workers. This initiative amplifies the impact of our Enable project, targeting improved maternal and child health outcomes in distant communities. Given the demanding terrains of these regions, the Mobile Clinic is delivered via a robust 4x4 vehicle, ensuring it can navigate the challenging landscapes of these secluded areas.
In line with One to One Africa's mission of fostering community self-sufficiency, the Mobile Clinic does more than just provide medical care. It imparts vital knowledge and equips communities with the necessary skills and resources to address comprehensive maternal and child health concerns, including HIV and TB prevention and treatment. By hiring locally, we fortify our bond with the communities and the Department of Health. Ultimately, the Mobile Clinic enhances and extends the valuable services already offered by our Enable programme.
