A new mobile clinic has been launched to cater to the needs of communities so rural, they are known as “last mile communities”
Eastern Cape, South Africa (16 May 2024) – One to One Africa proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking Mobile Clinic, a transformative initiative aimed at bringing essential healthcare services to remote communities in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa.
One to One Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving access to healthcare in underserved communities across Africa. Through innovative programmes and strategic partnerships, the organisation works to empower individuals and strengthen healthcare systems, ultimately contributing to healthier, more resilient communities.
Operational in some of the most isolated areas of the Eastern Cape, the Mobile Clinic is already making a significant impact, delivering vital services to between 80 to 120 individuals daily across 20 communities each month. The clinic operates from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays dedicated to thorough cleaning and maintenance, ensuring optimal hygiene standards. Moreover, on weekends, it actively participates in community events, such as local football tournaments, expanding its reach and engaging with unexpected demographics, such as men seeking healthcare services.
What sets the One to One Africa Mobile Clinic apart is its comprehensive suite of HIV care and management services. It is the first of its kind in Africa to provide end-to-end HIV care within a single mobile unit. This includes testing, initiation onto antiretroviral therapy (ART), medication collection, as well as access to counselling and support services. Unlike other mobile clinics that may offer testing but require patients to visit physical clinics for medication, One to One Africa’s Mobile Clinic provides a seamless continuum of care directly to the communities it serves.
Recognised by the Department of Health, the clinic is authorised to dispense a range of medications, further enhancing its capacity to address various healthcare needs within these underserved communities. Crucially, all health data collected will be integrated into the Department of Health’s information system, facilitating evaluation of the clinic’s impact and fostering future collaborations with governmental health initiatives.
“One to One Africa is committed to empowering communities and ensuring equitable access to healthcare,” said Gqibelo Dandala, Executive Director at One to One Africa. “Our Mobile Clinic represents a pivotal step towards realizing this vision by bridging the gap between healthcare services and the most marginalized communities in the Eastern Cape.”
The Mobile Clinic is part of One to One Africa’s broader mission to complement existing government services and develop effective models for future adoption at the governmental level. By leveraging local partnerships and engaging directly with communities, the organization aims to create sustainable solutions that address the unique healthcare challenges faced by Last Mile Communities.
For more information about One to One Africa’s Mobile Clinic and its services, please contact +27 21 003 8070 or +27 69 217 3777, or email connect@onetooneafrica.org. Additional information is also available at One to One Africa’s website – www.onetooneafrica.org
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