Approximately 576,000 children in Malawi suffer from treatable disabilities that hinder their mobility and prevent them from participating in typical childhood activities, such as playing with friends. While Beit CURE conducts thousands of sponsored surgeries each year, many children are unable to reach the hospital due to transportation barriers.
To address this challenge, Beit CURE hosted its Annual Fundraising Dinner on November 1, 2025, at the Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre. Held under the theme “Healing Journeys: Bridging the Gap to Hope,” the event aimed to raise funds for essential surgeries and help more children overcome the travel barriers that prevent them from accessing care.
Over 250 people attended the dinner, which featured the Vice President of Malawi, Dr. Jane Ansah, as the guest of honour. First Capital Bank and Dr. Rasik Kantaria were the primary sponsors, while several corporate partners from the banking, insurance, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors also supported the event. A total of MWK272,459,000 was raised.
Bridging the Gap to Hope
Beit CURE’s Executive Director, Dr. Rhoda Kriek, highlighted that many children identified during community outreach cannot reach the hospital for treatment, which is why the theme of the fundraiser directly focused on this challenge.
“As of June 2025, we have conducted mobilisation efforts in all 28 districts of Malawi and identified 4,400 children in need of surgery. However, only 41 percent were able to make their way to us, likely due to a lack of transportation. That’s why we are here tonight,” Dr. Kriek explained.
Story of Transformation
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came from former patient Steven. He shared a moving testimony about his successful surgery for clubfoot. Steven had lived with this condition in his left foot since birth. His foot curved inward and upward, causing ankle pain and keeping him from wearing shoes. He even dropped out of school due to shame.
“Now after receiving surgery at Beit CURE, I go to school. I play football with friends. Those who used to shame me now admire my story,” Steven said, standing confidently with sneakers on both feet.
Leadership Support for a Healthier Malawi
In her remarks, Dr. Jane Ansah, Vice President of Malawi, expressed her appreciation for Beit CURE’s work. She also affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting children with disabilities.
“The government views Beit CURE as an essential strategic partner in fulfilling our national mandate for universal healthcare…The hospital fills a critical gap, ensuring a child’s destiny is not defined by correctable physical challenges.”
Her message echoed the shared vision of Beit CURE and the government to ensure that every child, regardless of their situation, has the opportunity to live a full and dignified life.
Restoring Hope, One Child at a Time
Since 2002, Beit CURE has performed more than 36,652 life-changing surgeries, including procedures for clubfoot, knock knees, bowed legs, and burn contractures. Without Beit CURE, many children with treatable conditions would not have access to safe surgery.Your support helps close that gap, turning pain into stories of strength and hope. Help turn more stories like Steven’s into reality here.
