Beyond Zero Initiative: The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has extended a Sh. 20 million boost to the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta’s Maternal and Child Healthcare Half Marathon initiative.
The Half marathon initiative dubbed Beyond Zero Marathon is set to be held on Saturday March 8. The marathon is aimed at raising awareness and galvanizing support towards maternal and child health.
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Co-op Bank’s contribution is the fifth such donation by the Bank. It brings the cumulative contribution by the Bank to over Sh. 80 million which the bank has donated over the last 6 years. The sponsorship has supported, among other needs, the purchase of three brand new fully-equipped mobile clinics which were donated to Narok, Nandi and Kirinyaga counties.
Presenting the donation at State House, Nairobi, Co-operative Bank Group Managing Director & CEO, Dr. Gideon Muriuki said that the Bank feels honoured to continue supporting Beyond Zero on account of being a local bank whose clients largely come from rural areas where Beyond Zero interventions have the biggest impact.
“Being a Kenyan bank and being in the rural areas we are indeed one of the beneficiaries of this great initiative and we can only commend you for the mentorship and leadership that you provided on this and we are extremely proud to be part of this journey,” Dr Muriuki said.
Since its inception in January 2014, Beyond Zero has continues to play a key role in the elimination of preventable maternal and early childhood deaths. “The success of Beyond Zero is well demonstrated by the progressive improvement in key maternal health indicators as well as HIV prevention and management. There has also been an increase in stakeholder participation and goodwill, all necessary for a healthy population,” said Dr. Muriuki.
Co-operative Bank also pledged to continue supporting the First Lady’s Initiative alongside other worthy causes that include the School Fees Bursary Program. The program has supported over 7,000 gifted but needy students.
