Highlights from ICCD2024
February 23, 2024National Bank of Malawi's Cutting-Edge Donation to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi
National Bank of Malawi has teamed up with World Child Cancer to equip Malawi’s Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) with a cutting-edge Chemistry Analyser, showcasing a remarkable display of philanthropy and innovation. This collaboration, driven by a shared vision to combat childhood cancer, bridges gaps in paediatric cancer diagnosis and paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare for Malawi.
Picture a scene where two distinct organizations, each with their unique mission and vision, come together in a harmonious blend, uniting their efforts to combat a shared cause. Last October, the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) truly embodied the spirit of “Social Responsibility” by embarking on an extraordinary journey in collaboration with World Child Cancer. Their common objective? To champion the cause of children battling cancer at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Malawi. This heartwarming initiative, like an early Christmas gift, is set to illuminate the lives of many.
NBM, renowned for its “Socially Responsible” value, has chosen to amplify its commitment to society. In a remarkable display of philanthropy, they have stepped up to equip QECH’s Pediatric Oncology Ward with a cutting-edge Chemistry Analyser, a gift valued at thousands of dollars. This isn’t just a charitable act; it’s a symphony of compassion and innovation that’s set to make a lasting impact.
But why did NBM decide to embark on this journey with WCC? The answer lies in the vision of Macfussy Kawawa, the CEO of NBM. With eloquence, he explains, “We were profoundly moved by WCC’s noble mission and visionary approach to addressing childhood cancer. Recognizing the alignment of our purposes, we found it imperative to throw our weight behind WCC. Childhood cancer is a formidable adversary, often lurking in the shadows, challenging early detection. By investing in this cutting-edge equipment, we empower our healthcare professionals to excel in their crucial work, thereby paving the way for a brighter, healthier Malawi.” NBM’s commitment to a happier and healthier Malawi shines through, as evidenced by their annual “12 Days Before Christmas” program, specially designed to boost the healthcare system.
Luke underscores the urgency of the situation, highlighting the contrast in survival rates between children in high-income countries versus those in low to middle-income countries.
The pinnacle of this benevolent endeavor was the symbolic cheque presentation ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) on the 10th of October, 2023. The honorable presence of Malawi’s Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, transformed this occasion into a moment of reverence. Her words, filled with heartfelt gratitude, echoed the sentiments of an entire ministry that recognized NBM’s timely intervention. She acknowledged the invaluable role the equipment would play in the battle against childhood cancer, an enduring challenge in Malawi.
In harmony with the minister’s sentiments, Dr. Kelvin Mponda, the Hospital Director at QECH, extended his profound appreciation to NBM for their invaluable donation. When asked about the impact of the chemistry analyser, he shared, “this equipment will not only monitor a patient’s progress during treatment but also enable precise medication administration. It’s the indispensable tool that empowers us, doctors, to provide the utmost clinical care to our patients.” Dr. Mponda went on to reveal that, without this machine, the laboratory faces bottlenecks in processing samples, often leading to treatment delays. However, the chemistry analyser promises to streamline these processes, ensuring swift access to care for children fighting cancer.
This marvel of modern healthcare is set to grace QECH by the close of 2023. Despite the anticipation, the gratitude for NBM’s unwavering support knows no bounds. They’ve extended their generosity beyond the traditional holiday season, demonstrating their commitment to the fight against childhood cancer. It’s a prayer answered for the children of Malawi, a promise of the healthcare they truly deserve. National Bank of Malawi stands tall as a beacon of hope, investing not only in today but also in the future stewards of the nation. This heartwarming partnership doesn’t just bridge gaps in pediatric cancer diagnosis; it showcases the immense power of unity in shaping a brighter tomorrow for all.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bank of the Nation for this extraordinary gift of hope! You have made a very huge difference
Uttam’s Story
Meet Uttam – just one of the 662 children as part of our ‘Closing the Cancer Gap’ appeal, including matched funding from the UK Government.
Read moreAlile’s Story
Discover Alile’s journey through cancer as recounted by her mother, from the initial symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.
Read moreNaa’s Story
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreJoseph’s update
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Read moreKayin’s story
Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRebecca’s Update
Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read moreThe pinnacle of this benevolent endeavor was the symbolic cheque presentation ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) on the 10th of October, 2023. The honorable presence of Malawi’s Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, transformed this occasion into a moment of reverence. Her words, filled with heartfelt gratitude, echoed the sentiments of an entire ministry that recognized NBM’s timely intervention. She acknowledged the invaluable role the equipment would play in the battle against childhood cancer, an enduring challenge in Malawi.
Discover More Stories…
Uttam’s Story
Meet Uttam – just one of the 662 children as part of our ‘Closing the Cancer Gap’ appeal, including matched funding from the UK Government.
Read moreAlile’s Story
Discover Alile’s journey through cancer as recounted by her mother, from the initial symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.
Read moreNaa’s Story
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreJoseph’s update
We first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin’s story
Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRebecca’s Update
Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read moreHassan’s story
14-year-old Hassan from the Machinga district of Malawi was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) last year.
Read moreTiwo’s story
Five years after developing cancer and two years of treatment later, six-year-old Tiwo is doing well
Read moreFranklyn’s Story
Meet Franklyn, now 17, who is fully recovered from cancer and dreams of becoming a doctor to help others
Read moreRebecca’s Success Story
Rebecca is now able to return to school after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana
Read moreMy road to recovery
Prince went on to become a childhood cancer advocate and help many other children just like him when he recovered from leukaemia. Read More
Read moreEstaphanie is excited to start university!
Meet Estaphanie, who is excited to start university after being forced to take time out of school following a cancer diagnosis
Read moreMeet Bulu
Bulu is looking forward to following in his brother’s footsteps getting back on the football field
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