FOMO (Friends of Mulanje Orphans) was founded in 2000 by Mary and Keith Woodworth from the UK and all of their funding comes through them. The group consists of 13 orphan centres around Mulanje which, between them provide security, education and support to 6,000 orphans. The clinic on the Blantyre road provides the health care for all of the orphan centres. We were contacted by Mary some time ago asking for support with medicines
and we agreed to visit in September 2009.
During our visit, we were greeted by Dr Mphatso Pirie who is the doctor in charge and by Jonathan Dzimibiri; the co-coordinator of the orphanages who is the coordinator for FOMO.
The clinic, which was opened in April of this year provides care for those suffering from Malaria, anaemia, infections and minor injuries, serious illnesses are referred to Mulanje District Hospital. Mphatso has studied at Leeds University and has a very good grasp of English, as well as being the Doctor in Charge; he also carries out some laboratory tests.
They have no government support and are in great need of basic medicines for the children.