Journalists in Tharaka Nithi County extended a helping hand to new mothers at Chuka referral hospital by donating diapers as a way of celebrating World Press Freedom day.
The diapers will go a long way in helping some of the needy women whose children had complications and had been forced to stay in the facility for some few weeks to receive treatment.
Chuka Referral Hospital Administrator Boniface Kahinga said that this was a noble act from the journalist adding that they are celebrating the day with them since they play an important role in the society.
“I would like to thank you for this gestures you have done today as it will go a long way in helping our mothers who just delivered especially the ones with financial difficulties,” said the Kahinga.
He added that journalists should work without fear, noting that a journalist plays a key role in correcting ethical values in the community.
He also urged the journalists to continue doing deep research of facts to ensure they air information that is accurate and factual.
Newborn Unit Manager Phyllis Mugambi said they are grateful for the donations adding they have had mothers who face financial constraints and couldn’t afford something as simple as diapers.
“We are grateful for your donations and we are sure it is going to help some of our babies as we normally get mothers who are very challenged and cannot afford diapers,” said Mugambi.
Lucy Mwende, a mother to newborn twins said she is grateful for the donations as she had been in hospital for two weeks with nothing to use since her children have been in the incubator.
“All I can say is thank you, I did not have anything to use since I have been in hospital for two weeks, I delivered two babies and both of them are in the incubator,” said Mwende.
Speaking to Journalists on the same day in Mugwe Ward, the Vice Chancellor Chuka University Professor Erastus Njoka congratulated the journalists for their good job adding that journalists risk their lives and their freedom should be celebrated as they expose the rots in society to make the country a better place and spearhead development.
“Journalist should be protected by the constitution while they are on duty to enable them make accurate news,” added the prof.
The journalist requested the government to support them in order to enable them perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
BY Sharon Gitau
