Some of the racers who turned up for the event last Saturday in Babati.
BY DAVID CHIKOKO
The Manyara Marathon held last Saturday, August 22, in Babati, has raised more than Sh1 billion towards improving specialised healthcare for premature and newborn babies in Manyara Region.
The charity race attracted over 2000 participants from different parts of the country who were touched by the mission of the fundraising marathon.
The campaign, held under the theme “Hatua Moja, Okoa Maisha ya Mtoto (one-step, save the life of a child)”, was targeting Sh1.5 billion for the construction of a specialised premature-baby facility in Hanang District and the purchase of medical equipment for health facilities across Manyara.
“We thank all stakeholders who came forward and contributed,” Deputy Speaker Daniel Sillo said at the Marathon, adding that every contribution was important in saving children’s lives.
Manyara Regional Commissioner (RC) Queen Sendiga said the strong public response demonstrated support for efforts to improve maternal and newborn healthcare.
Regional Medical Officer Dr Andrew Method said about 3,200 premature babies are born in Manyara each year, including around 600 in Hanang District.
The marathon featured several race categories and also promoted sport, tourism and community participation during the annual event.
