Karem’s blog - Dr Moyola: An unsung hero

There is an extreme shortage of doctors in Malawi – approximately 250 doctors in a population of over 13 million. On wages of approximately £50 per month it's no surprise that qualified doctors are leaving the country in search of better remuneration. However patriotic they may be, feeding and educating their families will often take precedence over all else.

Those who stay behind, like Dr Moyola, face a difficult task. As one of only a handful of qualified doctors in the region, he single-handedly operates a clinic which receives 300-500 patients everyday, most of which are suffering from malaria. Signs of fatigue were clear on his face as he left queues of patients waiting at the clinic, to talk to a busload of young idealists eager to learn about the 'realities' of malaria. His words were few, but his face was a good reflection of this reality.

Paul Moyola is not a hero who has created his own new initiative to combat malaria, but a health professional working hard within the current system he finds himself. It's up to others in positions of influence, to civil society, and to those with more time on their hands than Dr Moyola to work for change in the bigger picture. Until then Dr Moyola will continue the uphill struggle against malaria and other diseases.