The 2025 Mother’s Fun Run (MFR) has achieved a historic milestone by raising about K860 million for Kasungu District Hospital and its 40 health facilities—far surpassing the campaign’s target of K500 million.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Kasungu Police community ground, Nation Publications Limited (NPL) chief executive officer and MFR patron Mbumba Banda hailed this year’s fundraising drive as a resounding success.
She said: “For the Kasungu campaign, we set a fundraising target of K500 million and I am pleased to report that we have exceeded this target.
“The 2025 MFR has raised K859 597 309, the highest amount ever recorded in the history of the campaign. I thank all partners who contributed to this tremendous success.”
The handover was filled with excitement as MFR strategic partners took turns marching forward to symbolically present their donations to NPL director Khrishna Achuthan, who then handed over the items to Kasungu Municipality mayor Hastings Nyirongo and director of health and social services Dr Emmanuel Golombe.
MFR is NPL’s flagship safe motherhood initiative that mobilises resources to purchase essential medical equipment and supplies for public health facilities across Malawi.
Last year, MFR supported Chikwawa District, raising K400 million which Banda described “as a tremendous success”.
She explained: “Last year, we were in Chikwawa. Between July and September, the district’s maternal mortality rate was 82 per 100 000 live births while neonatal mortality was 12 per 1 000.
“I am pleased to report that about a year after we handed over equipment worth over K400 million, Chikwawa has recorded zero maternal deaths and neonatal mortality has dropped to 9 per 1 000 live births, representing a 25 percent reduction.”
Guest of honour and World Vision Malawi country director Francis Dube said the MFR initiative aligns with their mission of ensuring that every child “enjoys life in all its fullness”.
He said: “As World Vision Malawi, we are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities, particularly vulnerable children and mothers.
“Together with NPL, we share a common vision of strengthening healthcare infrastructure and maternal health in Malawi.”
Receiving the donation, Nyirongo and Golombe thanked NPL and its strategic partners for the timely support.
Kasungu District Hospital faces significant challenges, including inadequate medical equipment, shortages of supplies and limited space to accommodate mothers and their guardians, according to maternity unit matron Phebby Nyondo.
Golombe added that these problems extend to health facilities across the district.
“Kasungu District conducts 500 to 600 deliveries a week, and during peak periods, this rises to 800. Annually, we handle over 30 000 deliveries. As you can see, there is a lot of work,” he said.
Golombe noted that the district’s maternal mortality rate—now between 110 and 120 per 100 000 live births—is significantly higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended level of 70.
He said: “Kasungu District Hospital was built in 1967 when the population was much smaller. Today, the district has grown to over one million people.
“The hospital also serves patients from parts of Mzimba, Dowa, Ntchisi, Lilongwe and Mchinji.”
Nyirongo applauded the selection of Kasungu as the 2025 MFR beneficiary.
“We are happy that out of many districts, you chose Kasungu,” he said.
The mayor also appealed to the district health office to take good care of the donated equipment.
