Through God’s grace and blessing, hundreds of thousands of patients in Zambia and Malawi have been touched by the work of the Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM). The clinics in Zambia and Malawi serve nearly 80,000 patients a year. Each day, the clinic begins with a devotion so that all in attendance can hear the Good News of their Savior.

Lutheran Mission Rural Health Centre – Zambia

Commissioned by the synod convention in 1957 to address the physical needs of the African people served by WELS missionaries, the Lutheran Mission Rural Health Centre serves a large surrounding area. The clinic, known initially as the Mwembezhi Clinic, was established in 1961 and is located about 50 miles northwest of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. The property consists of clinic buildings, a mother’s shelter, worker housing, and Martin Luther Church. Since 2007, the clinic has been operated by national staff and under the direction of a chief clinical officer. Medical services include preventative healthcare for children and expectant women and the treatment of patients with illnesses such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, parasitic infections, and tuberculosis. Extended services include community outreach and home-based care. The clinic has a trustworthy reputation for treating all patients in a Christian manner with respect and dignity and continues to be recognized by the Zambian government for exemplary care.

Lutheran Mobile Clinic – Malawi

The Lutheran Mobile Clinic was established in 1970 and operates out of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. A Land Cruiser serves as the clinic ambulance and transports medical staff and supplies to four clinic sites ranging from 20 minutes to a 1-hour ride from Lilongwe. Sites include Suzi, Mwalaulomwe, Thunga, and Msambo. Each clinic site has a one-room building, which conducts clinic one day a week and may serve as a church site on Sundays and for other gatherings during the week.

The clinic focuses on preventative healthcare but also tends to those that need medical attention. Prenatal care is provided to expectant women, and an infant wellness program that includes immunizations is provided to children from birth to age five. Additionally, the clinic has a formula program for orphans that addresses the needs of infants being raised by extended families. All sick patients receive examinations and treatment from trained clinicians, and nutrition classes and health lessons are also provided to those attending. The Lutheran Mobile Clinic national staff has been under the direction of a national nurse-in-charge and clinical health administrator since 2021. A stateside field director oversees them.

Fast Facts:

• Nearly 80,000 patients are seen annually at the clinics in Zambia and Malawi 
• Clinics are now entirely staffed by Malawian and Zambian nationals. 
• The cost per patient is about $3.90, including staff salaries and benefits, fuel, maintenance, insurance, utilities, and medications. 
• Malawi’s average family income is 55,000 kwacha, equivalent to less than $53 per month.