Luso Langa means “my talent” in Malawi’s national language of Chichewa. It’s also the name of an annual event hosted by Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU) to expand access to both the arts and health services in Neno District, Malawi.
Over the past year as a Global Health Corps fellow at PIH/APZU, I’ve been working on the Community Programs (CP) team that links PIH and the communities of Neno District. Each week, CP runs two health education and screening events called SHARC (Screening for Health and Referral in the Community) in underserved villages. Guided by data from the Monitoring and Evaluation Department, CP prioritizes holding SHARC events in villages with low HIV testing rates, high rates of malnutrition, and those that have had few or no SHARC events in the past. During these community events, PIH and Ministry of Health staff screen individuals for HIV, TB, diabetes, hypertension, and nutritional disorders. A clinician is also available to determine if patients require referrals to the nearest health facility. SHARC events are one part of PIH’s Integrated Chronic Care Clinic that was developed in response to limited treatment for non-communicable diseases in Neno. In 2017, SHARC screened 6,750 adults and 9,532 children for nutritional disorders. From inception in 2015 until April 2018, SHARC has screened over 23,000 adults and 21,000 children for nutritional disorders.
CP’s expertise in community mobilization is perfectly showcased in the yearly Luso Langa event, where guest artists judge a talent competition for local musicians and dancers. The cost of admission to the show is free — attendees just have to get screened to earn a ticket. This year, we screened 168 adults and 81 kids for nutritional disorders, 164 adults for hypertension, 37 adults for diabetes, 72 adults for HIV, and referred three individuals to the nearest health center.
Over 22 acts auditioned for the show, with four musicians and three dance groups advancing to the finals. Musicians were required to perform two songs: one, an original song about Partners In Health and the health messages the organization promotes in Neno, and the second, a song of the artist’s choosing.
Partners In Health Human Resources Director Ivy Kwatiwani represented the organization’s leadership. In her welcome speech, she said, “If you fail, never give up, because F.A.I.L. means “First Attempt In Learning.” End is not the end, in fact E.N.D. means “Effort Never Dies.” If you get “no” as an answer remember N.O. means “Next Opportunity,” so let’s be positive. For those who don’t win today don’t worry, there is always the next opportunity to try again. For today; may the best (wo)man win.”
In addition to the performances, Partners In Health staff gave brief inspirational talks. This year, one of the speakers was none other than my co-fellow, Limbani Thengo! He encouraged the youth to work hard in school because education would open up the world for them. “Neno is one of the most remote districts in Malawi, but with good education there is plenty to see out there. A good education is the only thing that can take you further in whatever profession or career you choose in life.”
The show ended with performances by special guest artists Nepman and Sam Simakweli, and winners were announced and awarded prizes. It was another successful season of Luso Langa: showcasing local talent, motivating youth, and providing free quality screenings and referrals.
Kelly Lue is a 2017–2018 Global Health Corps fellow in Malawi.
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