Mudiro addresses urgent healthcare gaps

During a visit to the northeast of Namibia in 2013, Barbara Müller's 15-year-old daughter Laura fell seriously ill.

Laura's condition rapidly deteriorated, and they realised she urgently needed medical assistance.

The nearest hospital was in Andara, and it was during Laura's admission that Barbara experienced first-hand the suboptimal healthcare in the area.

As a European, it was difficult for her to understand the challenges staff faced every day.

The helpfulness of the friendly staff and their care for their patients impressed her so much that she decided then and there to help improve healthcare in this remote corner of the country.

When Laura was discharged, Barbara immediately began making plans. Barbara was born and raised in Bern, Switzerland. She has always had a 'wanderlust' and particularly enjoyed travelling in southern African countries.

Barbara, a chemist, returned to Switzerland, where she began discussing fundraising and the establishment of a non-governmental organisation with her boss.

Within a few months, in 2014, Barbara was back in Namibia, accompanied by two doctors she had brought along. Together, they spoke with communities in the Kavango regions about the serious medical assistance needed.

"At that stage, there was a ministry of health staff member in Rundu with whom we could talk and who quickly assisted with advice. Basically, the greatest need is for local doctors to be able to build more knowledge."

Work towards a goal

Fortunately, it didn't take long to get the organisation up and running, Barbara said.

She explained that, once she sets a target for herself, she quickly works towards achieving it.

Thus, Mudiro was born.

"Mudiro means 'fire' in Thimbukushu. It symbolises our dedication to the people of the area," Barbara said. "Mudiro ensures access to medical education for local doctors and health workers, and we work closely with the ministry of health, local health facilities, the Mukwe constituency office of the Kavango East Regional Council and Unam," she explained.

Despite being at the helm of the organisation for ten years, Barbara said she still faces new challenges and learns something new every day.

Fortunately, her network in Switzerland and Germany has greatly helped to bring doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other specialists to Namibia to further train medical personnel in the Kavango East and West regions.

Over the past decade, with the assistance of various European organisations and visiting foreign doctors, as well as through collaboration with the health ministry and the University of Namibia, Barbara has been able to expand Mudiro's medical assistance to the communities in the area.

Support network

On average, about 20 doctors and healthcare workers from Switzerland and Germany travel to the Kavango regions each year, where they share their knowledge with local medical staff.

"They usually stay between four and five weeks, and there are quite a few – even as much as 70% – who come back repeatedly to help," Barbara said.

Five weeks is optimal for doctors to stay in Namibia. Barbara said she believes they need at least that much time to truly engage with their patients, the medical staff and the environment.

"In Europe, things happen quickly, the technology is always the latest, and the quality is always top-notch. Here, it's completely different. When Europeans come, they first have to experience what they're dealing with here and what equipment they have to work with. I always give them a week to ten days to get comfortable before they start working hard and before they say goodbye a month later," she explained.

"They work at five hospitals in the area, and everyone participating in the training appreciates the assistance and what they learn anew."

Barbara also always ensures that specialists in their fields, such as gynaecology and paediatrics, are also part of the visiting doctors.

"The hospitals and staff use the medication and equipment they have available to them. What we have brought in so far, when we can, are ultrasound machines because it's something we can use everywhere.”

Clinic on wheels

Last year, Mudiro launched a mobile clinic.

"The mobile clinic operates seven days a month to assist people with medical conditions who live in remote areas and cannot easily reach a hospital or clinic on their own," Barbara explained.

During their outreach to these places, the medical team sees an average of 150 patients a day. "And the need remains significant."

Then there's also Mudiro's academy, which offers between eight and ten training courses per year for local doctors, specialised personnel and community health workers.

Over the past decade, Mudiro has trained more than 1 400 Namibian medical personnel through over 40 000 hours of training, while more than a hundred specialised and experienced doctors, physiotherapists and nurses have travelled to Namibia for this purpose.

And Switzerland?

"I try to go twice a year because my parents are still there, as well as all the supportive donors and foundations. I try to personally visit and thank each one. I also make presentations to prospective donors about what we do. It's a beautiful country, and I'm proud to be Swiss, but Africa is my home."

- For more information, visit www.mudiro.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.