ABSA Dar City Marathon donates medical equipment to Mnazi Mmoja Hospital for mothers, and children
DAR ES SALAAM: ABSA Dar City Marathon has donated medical equipment to Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Dar es Salaam as part of efforts to support the Tanzanian government’s initiative to improve healthcare services, particularly for pregnant women, mothers, and children.
The handover ceremony took place on June 16, 2026, following the successful staging of the Absa Dar City Marathon 2026, which was held on May 17, 2026, at Mnazi Mmoja Grounds. The donation was also linked to a blood donation campaign organized by The Runners Club in collaboration with sponsors, partners, service providers, and members of the public.
The event was attended by Mnazi Mmoja Hospital Acting Medical Officer In-Charge, Dr. Mingole Said; Ilala Municipal Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Coordinator, Dr. Milka Mathania; leaders and members of The Runners Club; representatives of the marathon’s title sponsor, Absa Bank Tanzania; other sponsors, partners, service providers, and members of the media.
Speaking during the event, Dr Mingole Said expressed gratitude to Absa Dar City Marathon for selecting Mnazi Mmoja Hospital as a beneficiary of the donation for the third consecutive year. He noted that the support continues to contribute to improving healthcare services at the facility and called on the marathon organizers to maintain their support in future editions of the event.
He also commended The Runners Club for organizing the blood donation campaign, noting that shortages of safe blood remain one of the hospital’s major challenges. According to Dr. Said, the hospital receives more than 200 pregnant women in its maternity ward and provides services to over 400 children daily through its maternal and child health clinic.
For her part, Ilala Municipal NCD Coordinator Dr. Milka Mathania said non-communicable diseases remain a significant public health challenge in Dar es Salaam. She emphasized that initiatives such as the Absa Dar City Marathon play an important role in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, helping to reduce the risk of such diseases.
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Speaking on behalf of The Runners Club, the club’s spokesperson, Godphrey Mwangungulu, said the sixth edition of the Absa Dar City Marathon, held on May 17, 2026, attracted more than 4,000 participants competing in the 21.1-kilometre, 10-kilometre, and 5-kilometre races for both men and women.
He said the marathon’s theme reflected the club’s commitment to promoting healthy living and preventing non-communicable diseases through running. He added that the donation of medical equipment to the maternity clinic at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital forms part of the club’s vision of giving back to the community while advancing public health.
Meanwhile, Abigail Mutta, representing Absa Bank Tanzania, said the bank has continued to serve as the marathon’s title sponsor because it shares The Runners Club’s vision of promoting better health through physical activity.
She noted that, in addition to sponsoring the race, Absa has supported a range of community initiatives, including the donation of medical equipment to healthcare institutions. According to her, the bank also encourages its employees and customers to adopt healthy lifestyles through the Absa Health Club programme.
