Macha Mission
Hospital
Zambia, Africa
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Macha Mission Hospital, established in 1957 by the Brethren in Christ Church in Zambia, is located in the Southern Province of Zambia. The hospital is situated in a rural area 40 miles west of Choma on the Namwala Road. This region, populated primarily by the Tonga tribe, features a climate similar to the southern United States, with reversed seasonal patterns. The cool season runs from May to July, the hot season from August to October, and the rainy season from November to April.Macha Mission Hospital is a 208-bed facility offering a wide range of medical and surgical services. The hospital includes separate wards for male, female, maternity, pediatrics, and TB/leprosy patients. Each ward houses 40-50 patients. In addition to inpatient services, the hospital has an outpatient clinic system, a dental clinic, an eye clinic, and an HIV/AIDS clinic. The hospital also operates a nurse’s training school and a community health program that includes immunizations, HIV testing, and male circumcision.
Technology & Capacity:
The hospital is equipped with a variety of medical technologies including a stationary X-ray machine, ultrasound, and a clinical laboratory capable of performing basic diagnostic tests. The theater department includes an operating room for major surgeries and two minor surgery rooms. Anesthesia is managed by doctors using an anesthesia machine with spinal anesthesia and Ketamine as the mainstay.
Church and Governance:
Macha Mission Hospital is operated by the Brethren in Christ Church in Zambia. The hospital enjoys a good relationship with the Zambian government and operates with considerable autonomy. The mission is involved in various community services including evangelism, medical work, and education.
Training Opportunities:
The hospital offers a two-year program for Zambia Enrolled Nurses (ZEN) with approximately 150 students. Visiting medical professionals have opportunities to engage in informal teaching during ward rounds and formal lectures. Clinical instruction in the operating room and on the wards is also available.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
Anesthesiology
Family Medicine
General Surgery
Pediatrics
Physical Therapy
Ophthalmology
Language:
English is the official language and is routinely spoken in the hospital. Staff can interpret for local persons who may not know English. The local language is Chitonga.
Housing & Food:
Accommodation options include hospital guesthouses and the research facility dormitory. Guesthouses have running water available for a few hours in the morning and evening, and visitors are expected to prepare their own meals. Dormitory accommodations do not include cooking facilities, but meals are available in a dining room at a nominal cost. Basic amenities such as electricity and appliances are provided.
Travel:
Visitors typically fly into either Lusaka or Livingstone and then travel to the hospital by bus, taxi, or air charter. Coordination of transportation with other visitors is encouraged to reduce costs.
Time Difference:
Zambia operates on Central Africa Time, which is UTC+2 hours.
People and Local Religion:
The local population primarily consists of the Tonga tribe, living in small homesteads. Christianity is the predominant religion, with traditional beliefs still prevalent. The staple diet includes maize, supplemented with peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables.
Climate:
The region experiences three main seasons: a cool season from May to July, a hot season from August to October, and a rainy season from November to April. Temperatures range from 45–88°F depending on the season.
Unique Challenges:
Common health issues include malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, HIV/AIDS, rheumatic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, and obstetrical emergencies such as obstructed labor and septic abortion. Cervical cancer is also a significant health concern in the region.
Evangelism Opportunities:
The hospital provides numerous opportunities for evangelism through medical work, education, and community services. The mission plays a crucial role in spreading the Gospel while delivering essential healthcare services.
For further details, visit the Macha Mission Hospital website.