First Lady Mutinta Hichilema has received 200 hospital beds from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (CCCZ) aimed at improving maternal health delivery in the country. Mrs Hichilema also received 200 sewing machines meant to support women through skills empowerment.…

First Lady Mutinta Hichilema has received 200 hospital beds from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (CCCZ) aimed at improving maternal health delivery in the country.

Mrs Hichilema also received 200 sewing machines meant to support women through skills empowerment.

Speaking when she received the donation in Lusaka today, Mrs Hichilema said the gesture will significantly contribute to improved health care service delivery as well as women empowerment through skills development.

Mrs Hichilema noted that the government remains committed to improving the lives of vulnerable communities through initiatives that support health care and economic empowerment adding that the donation is important as it supports such efforts.

She added that the hospital beds will help improve patient’s care comfort especially in health facilities that have not yet received such support.

“We are grateful for this donation as it will improve health care services especially in facilities that have not yet received such donations,’’ she said.

And on the 200 donated sewing machines, Mrs Hichilema noted that the machines will provide individuals and cooperatives with opportunities to develop skills and start small businesses which will help them earn income.

“This is more than just a present, they present hope, dignity and opportunity from people who benefit from them,’’ she said.

Mrs Hichilema further observed that improving the lives of people cannot rest on government alone adding that it requires strong partnership with organisations such as CCCZ which has helped reach more communities.

Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Etambuyu Gundersen, noted that the donation symbolises the warm relation that exists between Zambia and China.

Ms Gundersen noted that the relationship between the two countries borders on mutual respect on cooperation and shared aspirations for the wellbeing of the people.

She stated that the donation is more than friendship but an investment in human development, community empowerment and spirit of solidarity that binds the two nations together.

Ms Gundersen commended Mrs Hichilema for her unwavering commitment to developing initiatives that touch the lives of vulnerable and ordinary Zambians who will directly benefit from this donation.

Meanwhile, CCCZ President, Lie Tie, explained that the aim of the donation is to support women development and health in Zambia.

Mr Lie noted that the 200 beds will help improve maternal health for women before, during and after maternal births.

“Welcoming a new life should be a joyful experience, but safety remains our concern and it deceives our shared attention hence the donation,’’ he said.

Mr Lie noted that improving childbirth conditions and reducing maternal deaths requires sustained efforts by government and corporation partners.

And on the donated sewing machines, Mr Tie explained that the machines are aimed at supporting women economically for them to be independent and self-reliant through business support.

“This sewing machine is an important tool and can open another path to employment through entrepreneurship hence this donation,’’ he said.

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