NPL, RBM fun run raises K17 million

This year’s Mother’s Day Fun Run project organised by Nation Publications Limited (NPL) has already raised K17 million (US$46, 831) worth of items for Rumphi District Hospital and its three rural health facilities of David Gordon Memorial, Chitimba and Katowo health centres.

NPL spokesperson McDonald Kadewa said this on Saturday after the 2013 Mother’s Day Fun Run organised by NPL in partnership with the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) in Lilongwe.

The fun run covers five kilometres starting from the RBM Club House in Area 47 after physical exercises at the clubhouse grounds in the morning.

Kadewa said items contributed include electric autoclave machines, digital blood pressure machines, delivery sets, hospital bed with mattresses, examination couches, delivery beds with mattresses and surgical kits.

“We are grateful to RBM, particularly to the individuals considering that the event started at corporate level. It is encouraging to see their involvement and willingness to promote safe motherhood,” said Kadewa.

He then appealed for more support from other individuals and stakeholders.

Said Kadewa: “Anyone can help in any other form of activities. Recently, students from Kamuzu Academy (KA) in Kasungu contributed in the safe motherhood promotion by not wearing school uniform to classes so that they should pay a fine K200 each.”

In his remarks, RBM spokesperson Mbane Ngwira said RBM staff joined the fun run having seen NPL’s noble efforts towards health care in the country.

“This run is a great idea in so many ways. It has gotten us together for a common goal and a common responsibility to the nation and our people, especially our mothers,” said Ngwira.

The Mother’s Day Fun Run, which takes place every year, is one of NPL’s set of corporate social responsibility projects.

Since it started in 2005, the project has raised over K60 million which has assisted in promoting of safe motherhood and fight maternal and infant deaths across the country.