Lucy and Tony Finch, with Dr. Charles Mwansambo and Gail de Oliveira. MC John Nyamba looks on.
Ndi Moyo celebrated 10 years of palliative care on Saturday, 3rd September. The guest of honour Dr. Charles Mwansambo, Chief of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, praised Ndi Moyo for it’s pioneering work. He reiterated the government’s commitment to palliative care, despite the shortage of resources and a lack of awareness about the importance of palliative care.
Dr. Charles Mwansambo
Over a hundred people celebrated the occasion, in the presence of Ndi Moyo board members from Malawi, four UK trustees and other local dignitaries. A short programme, which began after a copious breakfast provided by Malawi board member Samantha Ludick, included songs, theatre and patient testimonies.
UK Trustee Pauline Webber (L) and Malawi Board Treasurer Margaret Chaika
Lucy and Tony found themselves in the spotlight, much to their discomfort… They were at pains to point out that while they received much of the congratulations for Ndi Moyo’s achievements, it was the result of a team effort. Lucy praised the NM staff and went on to highlight the important role played by volunteers over the years.
The Ndi Moyo staff choir
Ndi Moyo staff sang songs and performed a play about how patients access palliative care treatment.
The Ndi Moyo staff and patient drama group takes the stage.
During a brief presentation, four staff members were recognised for their long years of service. Nester Kampando, Ndi Moyo’s longest serving palliative care nurse received a watch and a certificate. Three ground staff, Raphael Lucius, Medeson Nhkoma, and Harrison Mwali all received mobile phones.
A tree planting ceremony closed the ceremony. A tamarind tree was planted by the guest of honour, assisted by board members Gail de Oliveira and Maureen Morgan. Nester Kampando watered the tree, symbolically nurturing the young plant.
Tree planting ceremony
First Merchant Bank supported the event with the provision of golf shirts bearing the Ndi Moyo logo with the slogan “Ndi Moyo – 10 Years of Care and Compassion 2006 – 2016”.
Special thanks must go to the Ndi Moyo staff who worked so hard in the run-up to the event to make the celebration such a success. Thanks are also due to Samantha Ludick and Lynn Clifford for their creativity, their tireless energy and unfailing enthusiasm.
