Contribute to success of First Lady race

NAIROBI: Thousands of well-wishers will be donning their sports gear today to compete in the third edition of the First Lady’s Half-Marathon in Nairobi. Since the inaugural event in 2014, the half-marathon has transcended a sporting event as it highlights some of the health afflictions that millions of poor women have to grapple with.
Over time, more than 100,000 participants have been involved in endeavours to improve the health of many poor women under the Beyond Zero Campaign programme. Essentially, the campaign endeavours stem preventable deaths of women while pregnant or giving birth, in addition to eliminating new cases of HIV infections among women and children.

This programme and other government initiatives to promote maternal health have contributed to an increase in the number of live births and significantly reduced malnutrition among children. We, therefore, appreciate the efforts of well-wisher who have contributed to making this event a success. Thousands of individuals, business enterprises and State institutions have been part of this success story. More still can join in by running in today’s half-marathon. Let us cheer them on in their endeavour to keep women healthy.