Press Trust Chief Executive Officer (CEO) PATRICK M H A N G O

recently underscored the Trust’s commitment to helping reduce maternal deaths in the country through a programme run by Nation Publications Limited (NPL) annually, to this end. The Mothers’ Day Fun Run raises millions of Kwacha for district hospitals, with emphasis on providing modern equipment in maternity wings. NPL’s Marketing Manager ALBERT BANDA had a chat with the Press Trust CEO on this matter. Following are excerpts:

QUESTION (Q): Please tell us; what picture do people have when they hear of Press Trust?ANSWER (A): We believe the general perception of public is that the Trust is belongs to them and is their reliable partner in development. To date, the Trust has donated billions of kwachas to literally all districts in Malawi. Press Trust has an open-door policy and anyone is allowed to request for assistance, so long it meets the criteria for funding. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Trust has reached out to the remotest areas of the country. With this demand-driven approach, Malawians get a sense of ownership and embrace the Trust as their own. Indeed, this was the intention when the late President, Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, founded the Trust in 1982.

Q: Press Trust has been and continues to be a strategic partner of the Mothers’ Day Fun Run initiative, by Nation Publications Limited (NPL), that promotes safe motherhood in government hospitals. Would you please tell us why you are motivated to continue supporting this initiative? A: Health is one of the key priority funding

areas of Press Trust. The Trust has funded several infrastructure projects in the sector, in almost all districts in the country. The Trust has also made several donations of medical equipment to various health facilities in Malawi. Realising that women are life givers, and that no woman should die after giving birth, Trustees thought of coming in and intervening in trying to decrease maternal deaths in the country, particularly in rural areas. Indeed, with the initiative conceived by NPL, Trustees saw the Mothers’ Day Fun Run as a perfect opportunity to contribute towards tackling rising maternal deaths through the provision of important equipment in public hospitals.

Q: How does the strategic plan of Press Trust fit into NPL’s Mothers’ Day Fun Run initiative? A: One of the programmes in the strategic plan is to strengthen our social projects’ portfolio. Under this programme, a prominent sub-component is to explore possibilities for working in partnership with

other development partners. In this regard, the Fun Run initiative fits perfectly well with our plans of developing more partnerships, both local and international, with the ultimate aim of benefiting more Malawians.Q: What would be your comment on the previous Mothers’ Day Fun Run activities and how do you rate their impact ? A: The previous event was colourful and an overall success. A total record sum of money

was raised which was used to purchase equipment which was then donated to Mchinji District Hospital and this was made possible by kind contributions from different stakeholders. The District Health Officer for Mchinji alluded to inadequate equipment as one of the main challenges facing the hospital. We have got no doubt, therefore, that the event contributed

to the alleviation of this problem.

Q: Mothers’ Day Fun Run is executed in a partnership arrangement in addressing the plight mothers and new borns face in government hospitals. How do you look at the partnership concept? Do you think there is a need for us to improve and, if so, where?A: The partnership concept developed by NPL is a very brilliant one, indeed. In this day and age, partnerships are the way to go, as they ensure that more development is achieved by more stakeholders in a less costly manner. Partnerships also ensure that assistance reaches out to a wider scope of beneficiaries. In terms of improvement, yes, there is always room to do things in a better way. The first is for NPL to cast its nets wider in the corporate world, so that new partners join the noble initiative. There is also room to increase visibility and publicity of long-standing partners to the cause. Otherwise, we say congratulations to NPL for a job well done this far over the years.

Q: In October, 2016, NPL takes the Mothers’ Day Fun Run initiative to Mzimba, in aid of the Mzimba District Hospital and its 24 health centres. What message do you have to individuals and organisations towards this mammoth task, whose target is over K87 Million?A: A woman is the heart of a nation and, as such, her life ought to be protected. As Press Trust, we have visited hospitals that benefited from this initiative and the results are overwhelming. I, therefore, urge individuals and companies to join hands and contribute handsomely towards saving and improving lives of women and children in Mzimba District.

Q: Anything else you would like to say on this initiative?A: The initiative is very good and fundamental in a national drive towards achieving zero maternal deaths in Malawi. Mothers play a vital role in the development of a nation and, hence, their lives ought to be well safeguarded. Press Trust will continue supporting mothers in this country.

Press Trust calls for collaboration in Mothers’ Day Fun Run

Press Trust trustee Dr Kayambo (R) handsover a dummy cheque (2013 Mother’s Day Fun Run) to NPL’s CEO Mbumba Banda (L) while Press Trust CEO Patrick Mhango looks on

Expectant mother on Oxygen Concentrator