In a move to address challenges at Bwaila Labour Ward, a US based charitable organization called Annika Children’s Initiative (ACI) donated assorted items at the hospital.
The donation has come at a time when the hospital registers at least 70 deliveries on a daily basis and almost 1,400 babies on a monthly basis, a situation that puts pressure on the hospital.
Speaking in an interview with ProjectM, well known musician who is also Brand Ambassador for the organisation in Malawi, Patience Namadingo said they felt compelled to do the donation because of women that lack basic necessities when delivering.
“These are not just babies, but these are people that are joining us in this country so this is us welcoming future citizens of the nation because when you have a healthy nation development is easy to achieve thus the need to take care of the babies,” he said.
Recognising the important role that health workers play to expectant mothers, Namadingo said the donation was also made as a way of appreciating the good job that health workers do.
“We brought a little something for the staff because they also have challenges, during winter they need heating appliances so we brought them a heater, microwave, kettle and other items to help them,” he explained.
In his remarks, Dr Mackson Zephaniah, District Medical Officer hailed Annika for the donation, saying it will ease pressure on the facility since they deliver many babies.
“We are very excited to receive these items as a District because it will go a long way in supporting women who are in need and being the busiest hospital in Sub Saharan Africa, such donations ease the pressure that is there”, he explained.
With a budget of K5 million a similar donation was also made at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
Annika Children’s Initiative is an American organisation based in America, Malawi and South Africa with an aim of partnering with organisations to create and support sustainable opportunities which enable communities to live to their potential.
In Malawi, the organisation provides opportunities to students in rural communities to excel through education and advancement. With initiatives like providing school uniforms, sports programs, job opportunities, and optimal learning environments.
