A HEALTH-ORIENTED athletic event known as ‘Moyo Marathon,’ will be flagged off in Arusha on July 30, 2023 under the theme of ‘Running for the Little Hearts.’
At least 1,000 participants are expected to race in the Marathon which, according to the organisers, is being executed as a philanthropic health mission.
The special Marathon is planned by the Arusha-based, Moyo Medicare Specialised Clinic, with the prime purpose of raising funds for children born with heart disease.
The athletic event will feature, among other activities, the main 21km Half Marathon, a 10km long race and 5km family run mostly for kids and the aged persons.
According to the Arusha Moyo Marathon Secretary, Hosiana Michael, the Arusha Moyo Race will be flagged off from the AICC Soweto grounds in Kaloleni and will also end there.
The In-charge at Moyo Medicare Clinic, Iddy Yanga, said the facility deals with mostly non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, blood pressures, Coronary Artery and Cardiovascular Diseases.
“There are over 500,000 Children born with heart complications in Africa every year,” he said.
The medical specialist said in every 1000 children born in Tanzania, there are 7 who have heart problems according to the data from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).
Over 50 per cent of the children born with heart complications usually die from lack of medical attention as most parents, families or their guardians cannot afford medical costs.
Apparently, the cost of treating a single child born with congenital heart disease may cost between 6 and 8 million/- for starters.
“From the special marathon in Arusha we anticipate raising enough funds to treat up to 30 children with heart complications at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute,” he added.
During the week towards the Arusha Moyo racing event, there will be free heart health check-up and other related diagnosis being provided at the Moyo Medicare Clinic in Arusha.
The Director of Moyo Medicare Clinic Felix Masenge said during the medical check-ups, health experts will offer free advice for people being diagnosed during the complementary tests at the facility.