Mother’s Fun Run, a Nation Publications Limited (NPL) safemotherhood initiative, on Saturday mobilised well-wishers in a 24-kilometre (km) big walk to raise K20 million for Chitipa and Mulanje district hospitals’ maternity wings.
Participants walked from Dowa Turn-off to Dzaleka Refugee Camp and returned to the starting point while another group, the Lilongwe Cycling Club, cycled from the turn-off to Dowa District headquarters and returned to the starting point.
Speaking after the big walk, NPL business development manager Chimwemwe Jere thanked patrons for turning out in large numbers.
He said one of the challenges rural mothers face is the long distances they endure to access health services.
Said Jere: “We all can do our part to help meet the safe motherhood targets for this country. I, therefore, ask organisations of good will to join us on the Mothers Fun Run platform and contribute to this noble cause, and be a part of the change we all desire. Help us deliver life.”
Lilongwe Cycling Club cyclists Amos Nyambo and Matilda Salima Mill hailed NPL for the Mother’s Fun Run initiative, saying it is worth supporting as it works to save lives of mothers and children.
Partners on the day included among others Standard Bank plc, Everest Industries, Lilongwe Cycling Club, Joggers On The Move who raised K100 000 for the initiative through jogging on the day, and Ndidza Chisanu who mobilised 21 women to participate in the charity event.
According to 2018 National Statistical Office (NSO) data, Mulanje District has an estimated population of 684 107, and 23 health facilities. The district hospital continues to record a rising neonatal mortality rate at 15.2 for every 1 000 live births.
Chitipa District Hospital has a total population of 240 954 and 12 health facilities. Both the maternal mortality and neonatal mortality rates in the district remain high at 156 per 100 000 births and 14 per 1 000 live births, respectively.
