Supporting People With Spina bifida and hydrocephalus (SBH) for More Than 20 Years
Our work brings together healthcare providers, families, communities, government institutions and development partners to address the healthcare and social challenges faced by people with Spina bifida and hydrocephalus (SBH).
Our story
From a Programme to
a National Network of Support
Child Help SBH’s story dates back to 2005, when it began as the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Interdisciplinary Programme (SHIP).
From 2005 to 2019, SHIP was attached to Beit-CURE Children’s Hospital in Blantyre, where it worked to provide multidisciplinary care and support to children and families affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
In 2020, the programme moved to the Mercy James Paediatric Surgical Unit at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), continuing its work while expanding its partnerships and reach.
From 2021, we formally registered Child Help SBH with the government of Malawi and we have worked with major referral hospitals across Malawi, including Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Zomba Central Hospital, Kamuzu Central Hospital and Mzuzu Central Hospital.
Through these partnerships, we work to identify people who need support and facilitate access to surgery, physiotherapy, incontinence management, follow-up care and other services.
We have also worked with grassroots organizations, including the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA), to support community-based identification and assistance.
Today, Child Help SBH continues to work across Malawi to strengthen access to care, promote prevention, empower people with Spina bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) and advocate for their rights and inclusion.
Why we exist
Child Help SBH believes that being born with spina bifida or hydrocephalus should not prevent a person from living a healthy, independent and fulfilling life.
Mission
To support, improve and strengthen access to holistic quality healthcare, treatment and human rights for people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Malawi through a multidisciplinary approach and partnerships.
Vision
To see persons with spina bifida and hydrocephalus grow up to be independent Malawian citizens with unlimited access to healthcare and human rights.
More Than 20 Years of Making a Difference
People with SBH reached
People returned to school through continence training
Shunts provided to major referral hospitals
Healthcare workers trained on SBH
Core Values
What Guides Our Work
Our values shape how we work, how we treat the people we serve and how we work with our partners.
Efficiency
We use resources responsibly to achieve meaningful results.
Local Adaptability
We design care and support around the realities of the communities we serve.
Individualized Care
We recognize that every person with SBH is unique and has different needs.
Holistic Care
We consider the whole person and bring together different healthcare disciplines.
Independence
We support people with SBH to live as independently as possible.
Teamwork
We believe lasting impact requires collaboration.
Innovation
We embrace learning, research and new approaches that improve care and support.
Accountability
We are committed to transparency in our work and use of resources.
Confidentiality
We respect and protect the privacy of the people we serve.
Our Partners
Improving the lives of people with Spina bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) requires collaboration. We work alongside healthcare institutions, government agencies, community organizations and other partners to extend access to care and support.
