Ceres, Western Cape: Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi
and Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive started the
grueling inaugural 240km Aspen Trans Karoo mountain bike
challenge together earlier today to enhance healthcare for
children in South Africa.
Stephen said, “Raising funds for paediatric healthcare
facilities through the Sifiso Nxasana Paediatric Trust for the
Children of Africa (“the Trust”) has been the primary motivator
for participating in this race. We are delighted that Dr
Motosaledi has embraced our vision to provide enhanced access
to quality healthcare for all children – irrespective of their
socio-economic background.”
Dr Motsoaledi supports the urgent need for public-private
partnerships in addressing the shortage of paediatric
healthcare. “The challenges confronting us are huge and
government alone cannot adequately address them. We are glad
that Aspen has identified this gap and are sharing our vision
of ensuring that all children, regardless of their
socio-economic status have access to quality paediatric care in
our country”, said the health Minister.
Saad has been calling on organisations that have an interest
in Africa to support this worthy cause through sponsorship or
donations. “The children of Africa need the support of large
organisations. The response to this initiative has been
encouraging and we hope to make a meaningful contribution to
our two primary beneficiaries, the Nelson Mandela Children’s
Hospital and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Children’s Hospital.”
Africa presently has 4 specialist paediatric facilities to
care for some 450 million children with the only local facility
being the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. In
contrast, there are 23 children’s hospitals in Canada, 19 in
Australia and 20 in Germany.
The Trust was established to support the Long Ride for Sifiso
Campaign following the untimely passing of Sifiso Nxasana, son
of Judy Dlamini and her husband Sizwe Nxasana, CEO FirstRand
Ltd. Judy is the Chairman of Aspen.
Judy and Sizwe were in attendance together with their extended
families to pay tribute to Sifiso and to encourage the 220
cyclists who set off in pleasant conditions on the 240 km
challenge from Ezelfontein in Ceres to Sutherland in the
Western Cape.
Judy said that it was a fitting opportunity to demonstrate
support for the establishment and enhancement of paediatric
healthcare for Southern Africa’s children.
Former President Nelson Mandela’s living legacy is to build a
state-of-the-art children’s hospital that will provide
paediatric care for all children across Africa. The Kwa-Zulu
Natal Children’s Hospital is also being re-established to
provide for the regional healthcare needs of approximately 3
million children.
To support the Trust, download and complete the Sifiso Nxasana
Long Ride Campaign pledge form on www.transkaroomtb.co.za.
Click here to Book Accommodation in Cradock, Graaf Reinett, Hofmeyer or surrounds.
Article source: http://www.4-traders.com/ASPEN-PHARMACARE-1413350/news/Aspen-Pharmacare-Stephen-Saad-Health-Minister-cycle-for-children-s-hospitals-14302407/