Beneficiaries call for NPL Fun Run initiative support

Beneficiaries of the 2016 Nation Publications Limited (NPL) Mother’s Fun Run corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative in Mzimba have made an impassioned appeal to government, companies and individuals to support this year’s event.

In an interview last week Wednesday, Dorah Phiri, 24, of Jalafi Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mzikubola acknowledged that the initiative has, over the years, proven critical in addressing challenges in the maternal and child health sector.

The woman, who delivered at Jenda Health Centre two days earlier, said there is need for all stakeholders to join NPL and its partners in mobilising resources in one basket to equip health facilities.

Jenda Health Centre is one of the facilities that benefitted from the proceeds of the NPL Mothers’ Day Fun Run Initiative last year.

Said Phiri: “The health sector, particularly the maternity service, is struggling; and, everyone knows this. As a mother, I really thank NPL and its partners for the initiative.

“However, NPL and its current partners can make more difference if other companies can join them. I, therefore, wish to beg every company to join NPL and its partners as the Fun Run goes to Blantyre this year.”

Jenda Health Centre in-charge Overton Mshani said they are now able to handle complicated cases such as birth asphyxia because of the availability of the oxygen concentrator, which NPL and its partners donated to the facility.

Olive Zgambo, Mzimba district health office (DHO) safe motherhood coordinator and ward-in-charge for Mzimba District Hospital, said the equipment NPL and its partners donated to the facility has led to a raised status and recognition for midwives by government; midwives to provide respectful maternity care (RMC) services, and assisted communities to access quality child health services.

She said the DHO has managed to reduce neonatal deaths from 23 per 1 000 last year to 17 per 1 000 within four months of using the equipment.

This year, NPL takes its flagship CSR initiative to Blantyre in its continued drive to ensure that no woman dies due to maternal complications and lack of equipment.