CRDB backs family blessed with quintuplets

DAR ES SALAAM: FOR Simon Benjamin Mkwizu and his wife Victoria, the birth of quintuplets at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) was a life-changing moment.

The arrival of five babies in a single delivery brought immense joy but also the challenge of caring for a family that had suddenly grown by five members. As the newborns continue receiving specialised care at the hospital, support has begun pouring in from institutions and wellwishers eager to help the family navigate the journey ahead.

Six days after the rare birth, CRDB Bank visited the family and unveiled a package of financial support aimed at securing the children’s future while helping their parents establish a stable source of income.

The package includes savings accounts for each child, health insurance coverage, share investments and business support for the parents.

The bank’s intervention came as doctors reported encouraging progress for the babies, who were born with low birth weights but are steadily improving.

For Mkwizu, the assistance offered much-needed relief as he and his wife adjust to the reality of raising quintuplets.

“What you have done for us is like giving clean drinking water to someone dying of thirst in the desert. I sincerely thank CRDB Bank and I can confidently say that my family and I are ready to be your ambassadors,” he explained.

The story of the quintuplets is also one of medical dedication. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers at Muhimbili National Hospital have spent the past week caring for the babies and their mother, helping them through the critical first days after birth.

Speaking during the presentation of the support package, CRDB Bank Chief Operating Officer Mr Bruce Mwile commended the hospital’s medical team for their efforts.

“The care provided by our national referral hospital reflects the highest standards of professionalism, dedication and patriotism among healthcare professionals in safeguarding the lives of mothers and children.

We are deeply grateful for your immense contribution in ensuring that this family receives comfort and renewed hope,” he explained.

Mwile noted that while the birth of five children at once is a blessing, it also comes with significant responsibilities.

“As CRDB Bank, we felt we had a duty to support this family, and today we have come with a modest contribution that we believe will assist in raising these children,” he noted further.

Through its Youth Banking programme, the bank opened Junior Jumbo accounts for all five children and deposited 1.5m/- into each account. The children also received share investments worth 500,000/- each, while the family was provided with comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Victoria was enrolled in the bank’s Malkia account programme and received support for savings and business development. Mkwizu, a transport officer, was enrolled in the Imbeju programme and received a fully insured threewheeler to strengthen the family’s income-generating capacity.

Muhimbili National Hospital Executive Director Dr Delilah Kimambo welcomed the initiative, saying the accounts would provide a structured avenue for individuals and organisations wishing to support the family over the long term.

“Those who want to provide long-term support can deposit funds directly into the children’s accounts, while those wishing to assist with day-to-day expenses can contribute to the mother’s account,” she added.

As the babies continue to gain strength under medical supervision, their story has captured public attention beyond the hospital walls. What began as a rare birth has evolved into a story of community support, institutional goodwill and a family’s determination to embrace an unexpected new chapter.