Dkt. Biteko Commends CRDB Bank Marathon Efforts to Support Children, Women, and Youth

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Dotto Biteko, has commended the CRDB Bank Foundation for its ongoing organization of the CRDB Bank Marathon, which focuses on supporting government efforts to improve the healthcare sector, assist those in need, and enhance community welfare. Dr. Biteko made these remarks during the culmination of the fifth season of the CRDB Bank Marathon, where TZS 350 million was raised to support children in need of heart surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), provide healthcare services for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies at CCBRT hospital, and empower youth. “I applaud you for continuing to support the treatment of our women and children. Women are the backbone of our nation's economy. They are also the primary caretakers of our families, especially our children. By strengthening the health of mothers and children, you strengthen the health of the nation,” said Dr. Biteko, noting that both the government and Tanzanians recognize the efforts made by CRDB Bank through the CRDB Bank Foundation. Speaking at the event, Minister of Arts, Culture, and Sports, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, stated that the CRDB Bank Marathon has significantly contributed to fostering a sports culture in the country. Dr. Ndumbaro mentioned that the marathon has become an important platform for athletes in the country to showcase their talents on an international stage, as the marathon is internationally registered with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and World Athletics. CRDB Bank CEO, Abdulmajid Nsekela, explained that out of the funds raised, TZS 100 million will go towards supporting children in need of heart surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), TZS 100 million will support healthcare services for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies at CCBRT hospital, and TZS 150 million will be used to empower youth. Prizes totaling TZS 98.7 million were awarded to 60 winners of the 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km races, as well as the 65 km cycling race. Chairman of the CRDB Bank Foundation Board, Martin Warioba, stated that a total of 8,000 participants registered this year, with a target of reaching 10,000 participants in Tanzania next year, and 3,000 participants each from Burundi and the DRC. The race held in Dar es Salaam was the third, following those held in the DRC and Burundi. In the DRC, the race took place on August 4, raising USD 50,000 to improve healthcare services for children at Jason Sendwe Hospital in Lubumbashi. In Burundi, the race was held on August 11, raising BIF 120 million to aid flood victims in Gatumba Province, Bujumbura. Speaking during the announcement of the race results, CRDB Bank Foundation Managing Director, Tully Esther Mwambapa, congratulated the race winners and thanked the event partners, including insurance companies Sanlam and Alliance Life, which are the main sponsors of the marathon. “We are deeply grateful to our partners and all the runners for joining us in spreading smiles to affected children,” said Mwambapa. The 42 km race winners were Joyloyce Kemuma from Kenya for the women's category, and Moses Nengichi from Kenya for the men's category. The 21 km race winners were Sara Makera from Tanzania for the women, and Joseph Panga from Tanzania for the men. In the 10 km race, the winners were Hamida Nasor from Tanzania for the women, and Mao Hindo Ako from Tanzania for the men. Sara Makera, the 21 km race winner in the women’s category, expressed her joy at participating in the race and stated that her victory is part of helping to provide treatment for children with heart conditions and healthcare for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies at CCBRT hospital. “As a woman, I feel great pride in participating in spreading smiles to children and women. People should understand that good health is a right for every child, and women should not lose their lives during childbirth. We thank the CRDB Bank Foundation for bringing us together in these efforts,” she said.