UNSUNG HEROES 

Samantha is a 2024 Social Connectedness Fellow, working with Partners in Health Malawi, known locally as Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU). She has recently completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Gender and Development from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with Credit. She is passionate about social justice and aims to advance her studies in development sciences to empower her to become a strong advocate for the creation of inclusive and meaningful policies. In this blog post, she reflects on her time with Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU), where she witnessed how seemingly small actions within the healthcare system have a monumental impact. 

The COVID-19 pandemic came with many realizations – from the seemingly ‘small’ ones, e.g. the number of germs on our fresh groceries, to deep realizations of the importance of a community/village around us. It also exposed that we are part of a global community with shared vulnerabilities (Viña & Lie, 2022).

For me, the pandemic was a sharp reminder of the importance of social connections. It taught me that the small things in life aren’t so small after all. I appreciated then, more than ever, the importance of all the pieces that make up a system. I cherished my beloved, yet long-distance friends and family whom I hadn’t seen in a long time (and may not for another 5 years or so), and I held dearly the family members who are always one call away. They are both pieces of my social support system, each playing their role beautifully, and to the best of their abilities.  

Fast-forward to 2024 where my newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of systems extends to healthcare professionals. I find myself in an extraordinary opportunity as a Social Connectedness Fellow, partnered with Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU) – a public health organization that puts social care at the center of its service delivery! Through this experience, I’ve come to view healthcare as a complex, yet well-defined system that relies on the delicate balance of several moving parts; medical professionals, administrative staff, support personnel, researchers, logistics teams, community health workers, and social support staff, to name a few. 

Quality healthcare provision is a collective effort and my time at APZU has highlighted this. To all members of this big team we call the healthcare system, I give you your flowers. Thank you! 

THANK YOU TO OUR DOCTORS 

To all doctors, a big thank you for pursuing this brave call. The demanding nature of your work is recognized. From sleepless nights dealing with challenging cases to the emotional toll of building connections with your patients, only to witness the fragility of life. You often sacrifice your personal/family time, and, during the crippling pandemic, you faced uncertainty head-on. But you do all this with a smile and love, saving countless lives. Thank you for your passion and dedication.  

TO THE UNSUNG HEROES, 

While doctors undoubtedly form the backbone of direct patient treatment and care, special flowers should go out to those behind-the-scenes heroes who contribute to the overall patient experience and play a crucial role in holding the healthcare system together. 

Much recognition should go to the nurses in our hospitals and clinics – their job extends far beyond hospital walls as the hope and reassurance they instill in patients’ families serves as a beacon of hope throughout the entire timeline of challenging illnesses. Their emotional support fosters feelings of trust and belonging, encouraging patients to stay strong. My aunt Linda, a chemotherapy nurse, embodies this spirit of care. She is a prime example of the profound impact nurses have on society and I have witnessed traces of her kindness and inclusivity in the nurses I’ve met during my time at APZU. Thank you to all the nurses who held our hands during some of our hardest moments. 

Similar to the anxiety and restlessness faced during the pandemic, a young patient’s journey navigating a hospital for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services may be overwhelming. Youth Corner facilitators at APZU clinics serve as supportive spaces for the youth to access SRH services and other youth-friendly services within the facility. Their understanding of young people’s unique needs allows them to provide timely, youth-centered care. I have had several interactions with these Youth Corner facilitators throughout my time at APZU and they were always cheerful, which created a welcoming environment for the youth to access essential services. This cheerful spirit is further exemplified by one particular receptionist who left a lasting impression on me. He is the embodiment of the value of inclusivity, with his infectious joy and humor – an unexpected source of comfort to patients and guardians as they begin their hospital visit.  

It’s often the seemingly small actions that have the greatest impact. Hospital security contributes to a sense of safety, fostering calmness within patients and guardians – a prerequisite (I believe) for healing. Similarly, every day, the cleaning staff ensures a sterile and sanitary environment and this creates a conducive space for health operations, contributing to both staff and patient wellbeing. 

The district’s Social Welfare Department (SWD) may not be a contributor to the bio-medical component of health, but the psychosocial support they provide the community each day is invaluable. The SWD acts as a safe space for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by not only directing them to the appropriate healthcare providers and services but also providing them with empathy and care. I spent months in Neno, and yet I don’t quite understand how the department managed to balance understaffing and service outreach so seamlessly. One community facilitator, Steria, embodies the ‘social’ in ‘social welfare’. She spends much of her time with the elderly who suffer from one of the most dangerous, but easily curable diseases – loneliness. It is thanks to this team that the marginalized demographics of Neno feel heard and safe. 

Driving the roads of mountainous Neno requires grit and the APZU logistics team rises to this challenge daily, responding to ambulance calls and driving to several research field visits in the most hard-to-reach areas. This work makes all our health impact efforts possible and ensures seamless delivery of health services.   

All in all, the lessons from my time at APZU draw from my lessons from the pandemic – the seemingly little things are not so little after all. In fact, in healthcare, they are quite monumental. Every individual in the healthcare system, from security to the Youth Corner facilitators, plays a vital role in nurturing an environment where healing can flourish. However, their contributions may at times go unnoticed. Through my experience and writing, I hope to inspire a much greater appreciation for their invaluable efforts and encourage dialogue on how best we can recognize and support their roles.  

References 

 Malawi | Partners In Health. (2024, September 27). Partners in Health. https://www.pih.org/country/malawi 

User, S. (n.d.). Social Welfare. https://www.gender.gov.mw/index.php/departments/social-welfare 

Viña, A., & Lie, J. (2022, August 23). Effects of global shocks on the evolution of an interconnected world.