Africa-Press – Malawi. Entrepreneur and philanthropist Triephornia Mpinganjira on Sunday launched a K10 million netball and football trophy targeting schools in Neno as a way of her resolve to fight chronic illness among children in the district.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, Mpinganjira—through her organization called African Child Foundation (ACF)—said it has always been her concern to help in raising awareness and fighting stigma involved in children who suffer chronic illness in the district.
“We did a study and found that so many children with chronic illness such as epilepsy, asthma, polio and many others are just locked in the houses. They barely get medical attention and they are not allowed to go to school or play with their friends. Most of them end up dying without attention,” she said.
She added that against that information, she though of doing something to stop this problem.
“I have launched this sports project targeting all school going youths. I want them to be the champions of this problem. I want them to be the first to police what is happening in their communities and report to their teachers. I want them to understand the signs and symptoms of these illness so that when they see them, they should be the one taking it up through various duty bearers in the communities,” she emphasized.
Through the project, ACF is working with teachers, medical practitioners, the police, chiefs and various youth groups to raise awareness of chronic illness among children and also fight stigma.
“I understand sports bring various people together especially the youths. So, we are using sports to create spaces for discussions and awareness. We believe through sports, we will attract the interest of the youths and that is what we need to spread the messages,” she said.
During the launch, almost all the primary and secondary schools in Neno participated in various sporting activities. Notable faces that graced the event included netball legend Mary Waya who challenged the youths to take a leading role in ensuring that everyone is leaving a health life in their communities.
Renowned musician Zeze and comedian Mr Joker were also the entertainers on this day.
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