Absa Dar City Marathon 2024 donates hospital equipment to Mnazi Mmoja Hospital

Absa Bank Tanzania Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Aron Luhanga hands over a part of hospital equipment to Mnazi Mmoja Hospital In-charge, Dr. Delila Moshi (centre), at a function in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Looking on is the bank's Digital Marketing Manager, Mr. Albert Longfellow.

Absa Dar City Marathon donated hospital equipment to Mnazi Mmoja Hospital’s reproductive and child health (RCH) clinic in Dar es Salaam to support the government efforts to provide quality health services to all Tanzanians.

This follows from the successful event that was held on 5 May 2024 in Dar es Salaam. The occasion was running in parallel with a blood donation campaign organized by The Runners Club with the support of the marathon sponsors, partners, vendors, services providers and the general public.

The handover of the hospital equipment was attended by In-charge of Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Dr. Delila Moshi, Ilala Municipal RCH Coordinator, Dr. Milka Mathania, leaders and members of The Runners Club and representatives of the sponsors of the marathon, Absa Bank Tanzania Limited, Hill Water, Alliance Life Assurance Limited and Gardaworld Security Services Limited.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Delila expressed her gratitude to Absa Dar City Marathon for choosing Mnazi Mmoja Hospital for the second consecutive year as their preferred institution for their charitable donation and urged them to continue supporting the hospital in the coming marathons.

She also praised The Runners Club blood donation campaign, informing that lack of adequate blood is one of the major challenges of the hospital which admits more than 200 expecting mothers in the maternity ward and attends to more than 400 children daily in the RCH clinic.

On her side, the Ilala Municipal RCH Coordinator, Dr. Milka advised that RCH is one of the major challenges of public health in Dar es Salaam and urged The Runners Club to continue with this initiative for the greater benefit of the community.

The spokesperson of The Runners Club, Mr. Godphrey Mwangungulu informed the audience that Absa Dar City Marathon that was held on Sunday, 5 May 2024 at Mnazi Mmoja Grounds, Dar es Salaam was the 4th edition and attracted more than 2,500 runners in the 21.1km, 10km and 5km race categories.

Theme of the marathon was aligned with the Club’s vision of healthy lifestyles and the donation of hospital equipment to Mnazi Mmoja Hospital RCH Clinic was to fulfil that vision.

The selection of Mnazi Mmoja Hospital was in line with the saying that charity begins at home given the close proximity of the hospital to Mnazi Mmoja Grounds, the venue of the marathon for the past four events.

The representative of Absa Bank Tanzania Limited, the main sponsors of the marathon, Mr. Aron Luhanga, who is the bank’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations said that Absa supports The Runners Club’s vision of healthy lifestyles through running, and this was one of the main reasons for sponsoring the marathon, which included this charitable donation of hospital equipment. In addition, Absa motivates and promotes healthy lifestyles amongst its staff members and clients through the Absa Health Club.

“This donation is also aligned with our Citizenship agenda of being a force for good to our communities and play a major role in the society”, said Mr. Luhanga.

The representative of Hill Water, the sponsors of the 10km corporate run said that supporting the RCH Clinic is aligned with the company objectives particularly in the provision of quality drinking water to the community.

“The company is delighted to support the community that has supported them over the years by providing by providing hospital equipment to Mnazi Mmoja Hospital and advocates for the community to live a healthy lifestyle."

“This is for the sake of having and a strong and healthy generation for the growth of our country, our company will continue to support deserving charitable activities through its CSR initiatives”.

The representative of Alliance Life Assurance Limited, the sponsors of the 5km family fun run, Ms. Josephine Mfikwa said that the company supports The Runners Club vision of healthy lifestyles and this donation is a demonstration of their commitment to support the health needs of the society.

“As a life assurance provider, healthy lifestyles are likely to prevent untimely deaths leading to long and happy lives”, said Ms. Josephine.

Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Internal Auditor, George Binde (second left), hands over medical equipment for Mnazi Mmoja Hospital to Dar es Salaam City Council non-communicable diseases cordinator, Dr Milka Mathania, donated by Absa to support the government efforts to provide quality health services in the country.