03/08/2025
The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Karonga has donated 45 blankets worth K1.2 million to Karonga District Hospital as part of its efforts to support vulnerable patients.
The donation has been made through the church’s women’s department during a special gathering that also attracted AME Church women from Zambia and Tanzania, highlighting the church’s regional unity and commitment to humanitarian work.
Speaking in an interview with VoLRadioOnline, Reverend Jimson Kaponda, Presiding Elder for the AME Church in Karonga South East, called on people of goodwill to support those in need, emphasizing that such acts attract blessings from God.
“The sacrifice of Jesus Christ should inspire us to give to those in need. He gave His life for us to live, and we too must show compassion to those who are suffering due to poverty, illness, and other challenges,” said Reverend Kaponda.
President of the AME Church Women’s Ministry, Gwyneth Kaponda, said the donation, with K500,000 contributed by well-wishers and the rest funded by the church, was directed to the Pediatric, Male, and Female wards, citing a long-standing shortage of beddings at the hospital.
Receiving the donation on behalf of Karonga District Health and Social Services (DHSS), Hastings Kamanga, a Midwife Technician at Karonga District Hospital, expressed gratitude, saying the support is timely considering the chilly weather conditions currently affecting the district.
Although unable to outline all the challenges due to his junior role, Kamanga acknowledged that the hospital faces numerous needs and urged other stakeholders and well-wishers to follow the example set by the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Report by Walughano Lumbira-Karonga.
