Malawian-born British soldier, Bruno Kantiki, has donated personal protective equipment (PPE) worth K3.3 million (equivalent of 3,700 British Pounds) to Kameza Covid-19 Isolation Centre in Blantyre.
Kantiki, who worked for Malawi Broadcasting Corporation as a technician and journalist before joining the British Army in 2003, raised the money after running a distance of over 161 kilometres (km) in the European island nation.
The equipment was handed over to Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) Wednesday by Kantiki’s relations who were led by his aunt, Hilda Khengere.
The items included N95 masks, face shields, 3 ply facemasks, examination gloves, disposable gowns and infrared thermometers.
“I embarked on a solo physical challenge run completing 16km each day for a continuous 10 days. I just wanted to do something for healthcare workers in Malawi, who are in the frontline treating Coronavirus patients.
“It would have been great if I had presented the donation myself but I could not travel because of restrictions that are there to control the spread of the pandemic. However, my relations ably represented me,” he said.
Kantiki said he was grateful for the support he received from sponsors in the United Kingdom, Malawi, South Africa and other parts of the world.
Khengere said Kantiki was willing to source more donations in a bid to help Malawi fight the pandemic.
“Bruno is not alone in Britain. There are other members of our family who are willing to support this noble cause. Other donors who helped in this cause are also willing to offer more. Blantyre DHO should feel free to contact us should there be need for more equipment,” she said.
Blantyre District Health Officer, Gift Kawalazira, commended the Staff Sergeant for the donation, saying it would help save lives.
“This is clear testimony that individuals can do a lot in the fight against Covid-19. Health workers are the ones on the battlefront in this war. The equipment will help them to stay safe while treating patients. Our patients will also benefit from this donation,” Kawalazira said.
The donation was made under Gogo Kantiki Foundation, a registered charity that Kantiki founded which cares for orphans and vulnerable children in Zomba District.