NMB Bank to raise 1bn/- for fistula patients
NMB CEO Ruth Zaipuna and CCBRT CEO Brenda Msangi exchanging an MoU to signify launch of NMB Marathon that aims to raise Tsh1 billion over four years to be used in treating fistula patients in Tanzania. Right is UAP insurance CEO Nelson Rwihula and left is Sanlam Life Insurance CEO Julius Mugabe.
NMB Bank Plc has announced plans to raise TZS 1 billion for financing treatment of women suffering from fistula who most of them cannot afford the costs of curing the obstetric malady.
The lender said it will mobilise the funding in four years through NMB Marathon whose maiden edition will be held on September 18 in Dar es Salaam.
To accomplish the mission, NMB has partnered with the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT) for the noble cause. The two organisations yesterday signed the collaboration agreement during the event to announce the NMB Marathon 2021 at the bank head office in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking before signing of the deal, the Chief Executive Officer of NMB, Ms Ruth Zaipuna, said TZS 250 million will be raised every year during the period for treating at least 60 mothers.
She said the possibility of raising the amount is big taking into account that already two insurance companies, Sanlam and UAP, have committed to contribute TZS 50 million each. According to her, NMB has decided to partner with CCBRT to further the humanitarian cause for the benefit hundreds of women who cannot afford the expensive treatment of the disease.
“In the NMB Marathon charity race this year, we will partner with CCBRT. In that regard, today we are signing the requisite partnership agreement whose goal is to raise TZS 1 billion in four years for treatment of fistula patients in the country,” Ms Zaipuna noted when announcing the race and deal.
“With this partnership, we are now officially announcing the NMB Marathon 2021 and calling upon all Tanzanians to support us in this endeavour by registering and participating in the race,” she added.
Ms Zaipuna said the bank has earmarked prize money of TZS 15 million for winners of the three categories of the race, which are five, 10 and 21 kilometres.
The CEO of CCBRT, Ms Brenda Msangi, the partnership and the funds to be raised will mean a lot to the women suffering from fistula and make a big difference in their lives.
She said the disease was a monumental challenge to most of them largely due to the inability to afford the involved costs in its treatment.
“It is for that reason that we commend NMB for this initiative and partner with them to raise TZS 250 million annually for four years to help treat these mothers. Every Tanzania should support this initiative of supporting their health and wellbeing,” Ms Msangi noted.
The coordinator of the race, Mr David Marealle, said the winners of the 21km race will pocket TZS1.4 million each and gold medals whereas those who will be second placed will get TZS 1.1 million and silver medals and the third placed TZS 700,000 together with bronze medals.
The top prizes for the other two races will be TZS 700,000 and TZS 250,000 respectively.
No comments