MTN announces Shs1 billion for betterment of Maternal Health facilities in the country
MTN’s Foundation group has announced its contribution of an additional Shs400 million summing it to Shs1 billion proceeding towards the improvement of maternal health in the five regions in the country.
The telecom company has this morning confirmed it that the three successful inaugural regional marathons in Mbale, Gulu and Mbarara on top of the MTN Kampala Marathon attracted over 30,000 runners who either paid a fee of Shs25, 000 or Shs23,000 raising Shs600 million. However, the company added on Shs400 million to make it Shs1 billion for the betterment of Maternal Health facilities.
Speaking at MTN headquarters at Crested Towers, MTN Uganda boss, Wim Vanhelleputte said marathons started in 2004 with about 1,500 runners and Shs20 million was collected and since then the company has been holding marathons and in 2018 runners were 30,000 were registered and Shs 4 billion has been raised since 2004.
He lauded Stanbic bank, Huawei, New vision and Rwenzori for partnering with MTN for a noble cause saying this is the power of connection.
“Participation in the MTN Marathon was impressive as participants came together and raised money for the improvement of maternal health,” he said in a speech read by Martin Sebuliba.
“Each of our partners will take up a region in Uganda and they will implement the proceeds in the region allocated to them. We believe that together we shall make a difference in the lives of mothers,” he said Mr. Wim
He said Stanbic bank has been a partner in the MTN Marathon. “They have been with us every step of the way. We will continue with them as long as this initiative is there. We are also grateful to all our other partners.
The CEO of Stanbic bank Patrick Mweheire applauded MTN and the other partners for making a difference. “We have a total of Shs 1 billion from the proceeds last year. We have a lot of issues with maternal health. We are excited to implement,” he said.