Mother Fun-Run Organizers and Old Mutual CEO Rally Support for Ailing Hospitals
Old Mutual and Nations Publications Limited donated items worth MK2.2 million and a K8 million cheque to Nkhata Bay district hospital for maternal healthcare services.
Nkhata Bay, Malawi — As part of this year's Mother Fun-Run activities, Edith Jiya, CEO of Old Mutual, spent a night in the maternity wing of the Nkhata Bay district hospital, shedding light on the dire conditions faced by hospitals across the country, writes Francisco Mwanza.
Jiya's visit, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of maternal healthcare environments, highlighted critical deficiencies in medical facilities.
The Mother Fun-Run festivities, which commenced yesterday, began with a visit to Chintheche Rural Hospital, where shocking inadequacies were discovered.
The maternity wing lacked basic amenities such as showers, and the sterilisation machine at the NkhataBay district hospital was non-functional, forcing hospital staff to make weekly trips to Mzuzu for this essential service.
The shortage of beds, mattresses, and proper bedding for mothers in labour was also evident.
Jiya passionately emphasised the collective responsibility to address these pressing issues, stating, "Everyone should take an active role in resolving these challenges because a healthy society is a healthy market. Spending a night with patients here has been a big experience for me, and it has made me realise that the little help we can provide to our mothers in the hospital can make a significant difference in addressing the challenges our hospitals face in the country. Please help our mothers ensure that they give birth safely and return home with healthy babies."
Mbumba Banda, CEO of Nations Publications and the founder of the Mother Fun Run activities, joined Jiya during her visit.
These activities, initiated in 2005, aim to promote self-motherhood and reduce maternal mortality rates in Malawi.
In response to this heartwarming gesture, Rodgers Newa, the District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, commended Old Mutual and Nations Publications for bringing this year's Mother Fun Run to Nkhata Bay.
Newa acknowledged the tremendous challenges hospitals in the country face, including equipment shortages, inadequate staffing, and drug shortages, making visits and support from such organisations even more crucial.
Old Mutual and Nations Publications Limited have already donated assorted items worth MK2.2 million and presented a cheque amounting to K8 million to the Nkhata Bay district hospital to support maternal healthcare services at the facility.
The Mother Fun-Run activities will continue until October 7, 2023, with the hope of alleviating the healthcare struggles faced by mothers across the country.