PRESIDENT MWINYI COMMENDS ABSA FOR MEDICAL SUPPLIES

The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Honorable Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi (center), participates in a walk and short run during the Amref Wogging Marathon 2023 in Zanzibar over the weekend, sponsored by Absa Bank Tanzania. Also present, from left, are the First Lady, Mrs. Mariam Mwinyi, Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Obedi Laiser, the Deputy Minister of Health of Zanzibar, Hon. Hassan Khamis Hafidh, and the Country Director of Amref, Dr. Florence Temu. The event aimed to raise funds to support the availability of medical equipment for safe delivery and maternal and child health.

The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Honorable Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi (second left), is briefed about Absa Bank's banking services from the Absa Bank Manager of Special Client Relations, Salim Khamis Salum, upon arrival at Maisara grounds after participating in the Amref Jogging Marathon 2023 sponsored by Absa Bank in Zanzibar during the week. On his left is the CEO of Absa Bank, Obedi Laiser. 

The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Hon. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi (fourth from the left), presents a certificate of appreciation to the CEO of Absa Bank Tanzania, Obedi Laiser, in recognition of the bank's major sponsorship of the Amref wogging Marathon held in Zanzibar over the weeked.

Zanzibar - The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Honorable Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has commended Absa Bank Tanzania for sponsoring a walkathon and short race aimed at contributing medical supplies for safe maternal and child health.

Speaking after the event named 'Wogging Marathon 2023', organized by Amref in collaboration with the Government of Zanzibar under the sponsorship of Absa, President Dr. Mwinyi expressed his recognition and appreciation for the significant support provided by Absa Bank and the organizers of the marathon.

"On behalf of the government, I extend gratitude to Absa Bank Tanzania and urge them to continue collaborating with us to ensure the success of our goals in reducing maternal and child deaths related to childbirth," said President Dr. Mwinyi.

"I am pleased to hear that this campaign spans three years and started last year, with the aim of raising one billion Tanzanian Shillings. The information I have indicates that total commitments of 792 million Shillings have been made so far, with 557 million Shillings already collected," the President added.

Speaking after participating in the five and ten-kilometer marathon, where he was accompanied by his wife, Mama Mariam Mwinyi, as well as political and government leaders, public and private institutions, and citizens from within the island and other visitors from outside Zanzibar, President Mwinyi stated that the Safe Maternity Campaign supports the government's efforts to reduce and prevent maternal and infant deaths, as statistics still show a high prevalence of such deaths.

"Statistics reveal that there are 134 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births annually and 28 deaths of newborns per 1,000 live births, according to the 2017 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) data," said President Mwinyi, noting that these rates are caused by various challenges including shortages of medical supplies, a lack of healthcare providers, and inadequate medication.

During the event, the Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Mr. Obedi Laiser, remarked that this campaign aligns with Absa's core purpose of ‘empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together-one story at a time’ fostering a collective effort to ensure a healthy community and a brighter future for all.

"We, at Absa, recognize the significant efforts made by the Zanzibar government through the Ministry of Health and organizations like Amref in bringing about positive change in society, particularly concerning the maternal health and child babies, as the health of a child is the foundation of today's and tomorrow's nation."

"We will continue to collaborate with the Zanzibar government in its development endeavors. We have ambitious business goals in Zanzibar to expand our banking services, and we will also continue to work with Amref in these lifesaving efforts for mothers and children, even though this is our first time," Mr. Laiser added.

The Amref Wogging marathon is an annual event organized by Amref in partnership with the government, with support from various institutions, citizens, and stakeholders. It aims to address challenges contributing to maternal and infant mortality in the country.