CUMO Microfinance Limited donates to Diamphi Health Center, customers

Malawi: CUMO Microfinance Limited on Friday donated various items to Diampwi Health Center and Village Savings Groups in Dedza's Traditional Authority Kaphuka, writes Watipaso Mzungu.

The donation was one of the activities planned by the financial institution to mark its 15th anniversary in Malawi.

A gynecology bed, an electric sterilizer, beddings, blankets, cellular blankets, and solar lights were among the donated items worth K5 million.

Gift baskets for patients admitted to the maternity ward, sugar, salt, and baby basins were also donated.

Ezekiel Phiri, CEO of CUMO Microfinance Limited, stated that the donation was intended to thank and reward their long-term customers.

“We asked our Diampwi customers what we should do for them and they made a decision that we should provide them with health equipment. So, that is what we have done for them. We feel this donation is timely as health issues are a priority for the development of the country,” he said.

“We depend on hospitals so it is important that our hospitals be equipped for a healthy life for our customers. We donated to Diampwi because it is the closest hospital for our customers, especially those who have been with us for a long time. We provided the donation considering that it is a maternity wing and women should be supported.”

Phiri described CUMO Microfinance Limited's 15-year history as financially and economically transformative in terms of empowering women.

He did, however, admit that there had been difficulties along the way.

“On the other hand, the journey has been challenging, driven by a passion to support rural poor people. Loan repayments have been good so far, if it weren't we couldn't be here supporting them in return,” he said.

Bertha Kaudza, Lilongwe District Nursing and Midwifery Officer, said the donated equipment will help improve the facility's care quality.

“Sterilizer will help on auto-craving important equipment that might be used on maternal operations. We have had so many challenges at this facility as there were no blankets,” Kaudza explains.

She revealed that one of the challenges that public health facilities face across the country is drug stockouts.

"We desperately need help with drugs because it is a cross-cutting issue."

Concern Universal Microfinance Limited was formed in 2007 when it was registered as a separate company from Concern Universal Microfinance.