Before the development of the Benguerra Island Health Centre, island residents in need of medical attention had to travel 14 km (8.6 mi.) by dhow to the mainland town of Vilanculos, then a further 5 km (3.1 mi.) to the clinic. The Inhambane Provincial Government recognised the need for on-site medical facilities to support residents living
in the three small village communities of Chizungune, Together with other local tourism operators, a start was made on the construction of a health centre and doctor’s accommodation on Benguerra Island.
Africa Foundation secured funding which enabled establishment of the new health centre, which was completed in October 2019. A larger main building includes two consulting rooms and a laboratory, with an outside, sheltered seating area. A small maternity ward was created from the original, partial structure. Critical developments that followed include accommodation for the attending two centre nurses from the mainland, and additional water access. Clean water is a precious and limited resource on the island. A solar powered second borehole to supply running water for the health centre was completed in February 2022.
Benguerra Island is the second largest of the Archipelago Islands, at 55km². Extremely underdeveloped, there are around 2,000 residents living in three small villages. Chizungune, Bavene and Chiringoma. The island community is run by an Association known as the Kanhikwedo which comprises Traditional Leaders, elected representatives of the
community and political councillors. Africa Foundation and andBeyond Benguerra have worked with the Kanhikwedo and Benguerra community since 2016.
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