Matson Dezi is a community health advocate working with Development Support Initiatives (DESI), leading a grassroots initiative focused on early detection and management of hypertension in Nkhotakota District, Malawi. His work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in underserved rural communities.

In 2025, Matson led a door-to-door hypertension screening campaign in Traditional Authority Malengachanzi, reaching over 10,000 people. The initiative found that approximately 25% had elevated blood pressure, many previously undiagnosed. Without early detection, hypertension can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, and premature death. By delivering services at household level, the project reduced barriers such as transport costs, long distances to health facilities, and low awareness.

In addition to screening, the initiative provides health education, promotes lifestyle changes, and links high-risk individuals to nearby health facilities for follow-up care. This approach has improved early detection and strengthened health-seeking behavior within the community.

However, the project faces challenges, including limited donor support to expand into other high-need areas, rising fuel and medication costs, and difficulty sustaining community volunteers who require periodic incentives.

Despite these constraints, Matson continues to demonstrate strong leadership and commitment to improving community health outcomes through preventive care.