A SUCCESSFUL MEDICAL CAMP CONDUCTED IN MALAWI
By Noel Chatepa
From January 7 to 15, 2026, a team of physiotherapy and pharmacy professionals from Ohio, United States, conducted a physiotherapy camp at Karonga and Chitipa District Hospitals. The 4-member visiting team included Joseph Matthews Day (PhD) and Trisha Renner (PhD), both physiotherapists, Jacob Heimer, a doctoral physiotherapy student (all affiliated with the Dayton University), and Eric Hammond, a pharmacist. They worked alongside local physiotherapists, rehabilitation technicians, pharmacists, nurses, and clinical officers from the two districts.
One of the beneficiaries was two-year-old Chikondi who had been unable to sit or stand independently, and had lost hope of ever improving. Following assessment and management during the camp, hope was restored. The team led by Dr. Joseph Day was so assuring to Tabia and her son, so much so, that the client regained a positive perception. Tabia, Chikondi’s mother expressed appreciation to both the visiting team and the physiotherapists at Karonga District Hospital, noting that the course of treatment had been right and recommended.
Denis Chiona, a resident physiotherapist at Karonga District Hospital, said the camp offered valuable learning opportunities for local staff. He noted that working with international colleagues exposed the team to new techniques and approaches to managing some of the conditions, while patients benefited from the additional clinical perspectives. Equipment and supplies brought by the visiting team were also left behind to support ongoing service delivery.
Over seven days, the team attended to 55 clients, including 31 adults and 24 children, with an average consultation time of 50 minutes per client. These are about similar numbers the local team sees in a normal week. Common adult conditions included low back pain, shoulder pain, and stroke, while cerebral palsy and developmental delay were the most frequent conditions among children.
Dr. Joseph Matthews Day, professor of physiotherapy at the University of Dayton and leader of the delegation, said this was the team’s second visit to Malawi but the first year conducting a camp, and confirmed their intention to return every January, subject to available resources. He explained that the partnership with the Diocese of Karonga focuses on service provision as well as mutual professional learning. Plans are underway to field a larger and more diverse team in January 2027 and beyond. He also commended Malawian physiotherapists for their respect for patients and dedication during consultations, noting the need for broad skills required to practice effectively in such settings. During the camp, Eric Hammond supported the team by working with the laboratory staff to conduct tests that identified clients at risk of stroke.
The camp concluded with a grand round session, which included presentations from both the local and visiting teams. Health management teams from Karonga and Chitipa District Hospitals, together with a representative of the Diocese of Karonga, Health Desk Officer Mr. Joseph Kimangila, thanked the volunteers for their commitment and pledged support for future camps by the team.