SAPICS 2024: Transforming healthcare in Eswatini

ESWATINI – The Kingdom of Eswatini is home to the Miracle Campus Hospital, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility that provides free medical services to those in need. 

This innovative initiative is led by The Luke Commission (TLC), a non-profit organization founded by Echo VanderWal and her husband, Dr. Harry VanderWal. 

Their mission began in 2005, during the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, when they relocated from the United States to Eswatini with their young children to offer compassionate healthcare.

At the recent SAPICS Conference held in Cape Town, VanderWal shared the inspiring journey of TLC and the development of the Miracle Campus. 

“We started with just eight people, conducting outreach from a rented house. Now, we serve hundreds of patients daily,” VanderWal explained. 

World Bank country director Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly has described the hospital as “the quintessence of excellence, innovation, and impact in health services.”

The Miracle Campus, located in Sidvokodvo, is a comprehensive healthcare hub that has grown significantly since its inception. 

By 2013, TLC had established a self-contained facility with multiple buildings dedicated to various healthcare services. 

The need for such services became even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic when Eswatini faced a high death rate and a lack of critical care facilities. 

In response, TLC built a 2500LPM PSA oxygen plant in 52 days, ensuring the nation’s oxygen independence. 

This facility has produced over 500 million liters of oxygen, significantly reducing the national mortality rate during the pandemic.

In addition to addressing immediate healthcare needs, TLC has implemented a snakebite treatment program, crucial in a country where venomous snakes are prevalent.

“We have treated nearly 900 snakebite victims in the past five years, providing life-saving care,” VanderWal noted. 

This program and others highlight TLC’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare.

Sustainability is also a priority for TLC. As Eswatini’s energy contract with South Africa approaches expiration in 2025, the Miracle Campus is transitioning to a predominantly off-grid facility by late 2024. 

This includes extensive solar installations and plans for micro-hydro projects. VanderWal emphasized, “Our goal is to ensure energy independence for our operations and the communities we serve.”

To further enhance healthcare delivery, TLC has launched a medical drone network. These solar-powered drones are designed to rapidly deliver medical supplies, including snakebite antivenom and blood units. 

“This initiative ensures that life-saving treatments reach those in need quickly and efficiently,” VanderWal stated, highlighting the program’s local impact, as five Eswatini nationals have been trained as drone pilots.

At the SAPICS Conference, VanderWal also introduced the Luvelo digital ecosystem, a mobile-first platform developed by TLC to optimize healthcare operations.

 “Luvelo integrates healthcare, supply chain, and HR processes, promoting efficiency even in low-resource settings,” she explained. 

Recognized as an MIT Solve finalist in 2023, Luvelo exemplifies TLC’s innovative approach to healthcare management.

SAPICS president MJ Schoemaker remarked, “The story of The Luke Commission is one of relentless compassion, innovation, and commitment to improving lives.” 

The conference attracted over 750 supply chain managers from 30 countries, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in addressing current challenges in the healthcare sector.

Through their unwavering dedication, Echo and Harry VanderWal have transformed healthcare in Eswatini, creating a model that addresses immediate needs and paves the way for sustainable, long-term solutions.

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