NPL 2017 Mothers Day Fun Run raises K88 million
Out of a K150 million-target, about K88 Million has been raised during this year’s Mothers Day Fun Run that was held in Blantyre on Saturday.
The annual event which started in 2005 by Nation Publication Limited (NPL) aims at raising resources that go towards supporting efforts in reducing unnecessary maternal deaths.
This year’s run started from Mpemba Health Center to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
Speaking at the climax of the event at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Chief Executive Officer for NPL Mbumba Banda said the amount is the highest of all runs.
“The money will help reduce maternal death figures by covering the purchase of equipment and furniture that the hospital need,” said Banda.
She then commended partners for their continued support which give strength to the organization to continue holding the event towards helping mothers give birth in conducive environments.
In his remarks, Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) acting Chief Executive Officer Eric Valentine said their company is proud to be part of the fun run.
“We want to be more than a mobile company. This is why we pumped in K2.1 million because we want to be seen as a truly Malawian mobile network,” Valentine said.
Guest of honour at the event, British High Commissioner to Malawi Holly Tett said there was need for Malawi to include family planning as a deciding factor in curbing maternal deaths.
She observed that government health facilities, especially the maternity wards were overcrowded with teen mothers, a thing she described as unfortunate saying it was contributing to rapid population growth.
The High Commissioner then said “Contraceptive methods should be encouraged among teenagers as well so that they have children by choice, thereby reducing maternal complications”.
This year’s fun run was held under the theme “Safe Motherhood, Together We Can Make a Difference.”
The event started with sleepovers at health centers of Zingwangwa, Chilomoni, Ndirande and Limbe that were aimed at appreciating the experience mothers go through when giving birth in public health facilities.
The NPL CEO, British High Commissioner as well as women in the media took part these sleepovers.
The fundraising activity saw various organizations such as UNFPA, Dosani Trust, World Vision Malawi, Airtel Malawi as well as Lilongwe Water Board donating in both cash and material.
The donation included baby weighing machines, baby coats, oxygen machines, sterilizing drums and uniforms for health workers. The equipment will be distributed to health centers and the referral hospital.
Next year’s fun run will be held in Ntchisi District and proceeds will go to the district’s referral hospital and surrounding health centers, according to NPL CEO Mbumba Banda.
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so long the corruption of our country doesnt digest the money
its veey good
I thought the First Lady was so interested in supporting motherhood. Where was she? Why is it the British High Commissioner who gave her time and money?