“Kindness is spreading sunshine into people’s lives, regardless of the weather.” – RAKtivists
The children’s ward at the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Zambia received a variety of items including glucometers, filing cabinets, sugar, and diapers that were purchased from funds raised by First Quantum Minerals’ UK office staff on Christmas Jumper Day.
The items, which were delivered to the hospital by Shingalana Limited, were presented on their behalf by Ms Elizabeth Chirwa, a representative from FQM, accompanied by Ms Jackie Mwiindwa from the FQM Health Department. They were received by Dr Mulindwa, Head Consultant for Paediatric Oncology at the CDH, Mr Mutale, Hospital Administrator, and other members of staff.
According to Ms Chirwa, the decision to donate to the cancer diseases hospital was motivated but the employees’ desire to give to a cause close to FQM’s operations. “The culture of giving is deeply ingrained amongst FQM employees, and they are free to give as often and to whichever cause they choose, above and beyond FQM’s regular programs,” she said.
This act of kindness displayed by the staff members stands as a testament to the generosity and compassion of the FQM community.
Dr Justin Mulindwa expressed his gratitude for the kindness displayed and shared how essential it was for public service facilities like theirs to have additional partners beyond the government to provide better patient care. “The treatment of childhood cancer is different from that of adults in that children generally respond well to treatment, resulting in high cure rates if all their needs are met,” Dr Mulindwa elaborated.
“Currently, the global average for survival is just below 60%; ranging between 20-30% in low and middle-income countries and 80% in high incoming countries. So a donation such as this one, which includes equipment to monitor children’s health plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of care.”
