More than 15 000 Kenyans, including the First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, took part in the second Fi
More than 15 000 Kenyans, including the First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, took part in the second First Lady’s Annual Half Marathon on International Women’s Day, 8 March, raising more than US$ 4 million.
The money raised will be donated to the Beyond Zero campaign, which aims to improve maternal and child health across Kenya. Since the campaign was launched in January 2014, Beyond Zero has made a significant impact by providing fully equipped mobile health clinics that bring essential services closer to vulnerable communities, including people living in informal settlements.
In recent years, Kenya has made notable progress in improving the health of mothers and children. New HIV infections among children declined from 21 000 in 2009 to 13 000 in 2013. An estimated 63% of pregnant women living with HIV accessed treatment services aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV in 2013, but only 31% of children living with HIV had access to antiretroviral treatment in the same year.
“Today is International Women’s Day. Thousands of events are held across the globe to celebrate the achievements of women and it is quite appropriate that in our own way we mark this day by running to raise resources to safeguard the lives of children and women in Kenya”.
Margaret Kenyatta, First Lady of Kenya
"As I had promised myself and my fellow Kenyans, I joined the First Lady in the 21 km race to raise awareness for the Beyond Zero campaign and help women and children in my country."
Ondiek, race participant
