Building Community in Botswana
Since the Broadhurst 3 Clinic opened in Gaborone, Botswana six months ago, World Spine Care volunteers have been working to reach out to the community to reduce the burden of spine pain. Led by the clinical coordinator, Dr. Mufudzi Chihambakwe, the past few months have brought clinic upgrades, educational outreach, yoga classes, and evening hikes.
“The momentum of this clinic continues to build and we are slowly finding our lane in the health care pathways of the city.”
One of the challenges of providing spine care in underserved communities is accessing essential clinic tools such as a viewing box for x-rays. Many patients come to the BH3 clinic with x-ray films from their medical doctor. Until now, Dr. Mufudzi has done his best to review images with available light. Thanks to the acting clinic matron, a view box was found in the supply closet and later installed in the treatment room.
With the help of Onkabetse, the clinic assistant, Dr. Mufudzi held a spinal health awareness campaign at the Greater Gaborone District Health Management Team on World Spine Day. This event served to make connections with staff at the local government offices and make them aware of World Spine Care’s efforts to decrease pain and disability. Thanks to this education event, 15 staff members scheduled appointments at the clinic.
The BH3 clinic invited dozens of patients, staff, and community members to an afternoon hike and yoga class in celebration of World Spine Day. Kabelo Sabeti, the lead teacher of the World Spine Care Yoga Project, guided participants through movements and poses adaptable for people with low back or neck pain. These classes are well received in the community, and both Kabelo and Mufudzi hope to offer them regularly.
Reflecting on the recent successes in Botswana, Dr. Mufudzi said, “The momentum of this clinic continues to build and we are slowly finding our lane in the health care pathways of the city.”
It’s been 10 years since World Spine Care opened the first clinic in Mahalapye, Botswana. With the support of healthcare providers and partners such as Giving Back Health Abroad, we look forward to providing quality care for years to come.
if you would like to support our mission to improve lives in underserved communities through sustainable, integrated, evidence-based, spine care, make a donation today.
