Absa Bank Tanzania and The Runners Club have donated essential medical equipment to Mnazi Mmoja hospital in Dar es Salaam.
The donation focuses on the maternity and emergency wards, where demand for medical care is high.
The medical equipment was bought using funds raised through the Absa Dar City Marathon. The annual charity event encourages people to exercise while supporting healthcare services.
This year, over 3,500 people took part in the run, making it one of the largest editions so far.
The event offered three categories 5km, 10km, and a 21km half marathon, attracting local and international runners and positioning itself as one of the most ambitious city center races in East Africa.
The Vice President of The Runners, Godfrey Mwangungulu, said this is the sixth year they have supported Mnazi Mmoja Health Centre.
He noted that their goal is to help the government improve health services, especially for mothers and emergency cases.
“This year’s marathon was a big success. As part of our tradition, we are here to donate equipment bought from the event’s proceeds,” he said.
Related article: Over 3,500 run for health and unity in Absa Dar city marathon
She said Absa encourages its staff to take part in community service, including blood donation drives.
“We believe in building stronger communities. That is why we work closely with The Runners to deliver real support to health centres,” she said.
The donated items include a fetal monitor, which is used to check the heartbeat of unborn babies.
The health centre also received an oxygen flow meter designed for young children. This device helps control the flow of oxygen from a gas cylinder.
Dr. Linda Mutasa, Acting Medical Officer In-Charge at Mnazi Mmoja, expressed gratitude for the donation. She said the timing was perfect, as the hospital had been facing challenges in treating young children and mothers.
“The oxygen flow meter we received is rare and expensive. Until now, we only had equipment suitable for adults. Treating small children was very difficult,” she explained.
Other items donated include digital thermometers for accurate body temperature checks and TV cannula gauges (sizes 24 and 26), which are used to give medication to newborns.
Dr. Mutasa said the new equipment will directly improve the hospital’s ability to care for pregnant women and children in emergency situations.
She said the hospital often receives high numbers of patients, but resources are limited.
This donation shows the value of strong partnerships between the private sector and the community. By combining sports, health awareness, and charity, Absa and The Runners are showing that simple actions can lead to life-saving impact.
As the health centre prepares to put the new equipment into use, the feeling among staff is one of renewed hope.
“These are tools that help us do our jobs better. Today, we feel remembered and supported,” said one nurse.
