International Nurses Day: Viatris Expands Clinics Owned by Nurses

Johannesburg – With the increasing demand for healthcare services in South Africa, scalable, community-based healthcare models are becoming essential for enhancing access to care.

Viatris Inc. (Nasdaq: VTRS), a worldwide healthcare company, initiated its collaboration with the South African non-profit Rhiza Babuyile in 2020 to back scalable, community-focused models that bring care closer to patients.

This effort includes an expanding network of nurse-led clinics that are crucial in bridging significant access gaps while fortifying local healthcare capabilities.

Currently, six clinics backed by Viatris are operational throughout South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to a larger network of community-based healthcare initiatives that collectively serve thousands of patients each year.

This growth aligns with Viatris’ global ambition to provide sustainable healthcare access at scale—ensuring patients can acquire the medicines and services they require, no matter their location.

The company’s mission emphasizes empowering individuals globally to lead healthier lives at every stage.

“Worldwide, healthcare systems face mounting challenges, and the demand for sustainable, scalable solutions has never been higher,” stated Arvind Kanda, Head of ARV/API SA and SSA.

“Our aim is to cultivate healthier communities by enhancing access to medicines and empowering healthcare providers, particularly nurses, who are vital in delivering care.

“By fostering locally implemented models that deliver care directly to communities, we can contribute to the development of stronger, more resilient health systems for the future.”

This International Nurses Day, Viatris is honoring the crucial role nurses play in broadening access to quality, sustainable healthcare—especially in underserved communities, where they often serve as the primary and most trusted point of contact for care.

In South Africa, nurses constitute the backbone of the healthcare system, making up about 80% of the healthcare workforce and acting as the first point of care for countless patients.

This highlights their transformative role within community-based care models.

Globally, nurses form the largest segment of the health workforce and are essential in tackling disparities in access to care—a critical role in underserved communities.

A notable example is Sr. Nompumelelo Mudalahothe, who began her career as a nurse at the Rhiza Babuyile Diepsloot clinic and has advanced to manage healthcare at the Mpathy nursepreneur clinics.

Her experience exemplifies how investing in nurse-led models can improve patient outcomes and create meaningful career opportunities.

She states, “In many communities, nurses are the first, and sometimes the only, access point to healthcare.”

She further explains her motivation for becoming a nurse: “Working in my own community allows me to make a difference every day. The clinic is more than just a treatment center; it’s a place where patients feel heard, supported, and understood.”

Alef Meulenberg, founder and board member of Rhiza Babuyile, recounts a particular incident where a patient brought in a four-month-old baby.

“The baby was unresponsive and would have died,” Meulenberg recalled.

“Our nurse, who was on her way home, returned to the clinic, stabilized the baby, and referred the patient to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

“Fortunately, this baby is now doing well and has a chance for a long, healthy life.”

These clinics are continually evolving, expanding their offerings beyond primary care to include chronic disease management, access to chronic medications, optometry services, and, in one facility, x-ray capabilities.

These integrated services are vital in addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and enhancing continuity of care at the community level.

Viatris’ approach is rooted in its long-term vision of being a trusted healthcare partner—one that merges global expertise with local insights to enhance health outcomes and expand access sustainably.

As the company progresses in evolving its portfolio and reinforcing its global presence, this commitment remains central to its forward trajectory.