The Ministry of Sports and India-based pharmaceuticals company Mega Lifesciences Ltd are going to jointly organise Myamar’s first walkathon in a bid to spread awareness on anemia and eradicate a nutritional problem that is highly prevalent among Myanmar women.
The 5-kilometre walkathon will start at 6 am from Inya Kanbaug, Pyay road, on March 16 to the sounds of drums, cheerleaders and the Bugle Corps. Participants who cross the finish line at People’s Park will enter into the “Anemia-free Zone” where they’ll receive a medal, goodie bags, free anemia testing and breakfast accompanied by entertainment and games, the organizers said.
Ferrovit, the largest iron supplement brand in the country from Mega Lifesciences Ltd, will offer participants free testing at the finish line for the blood disorder that affects 45 percent among non-pregnant women, 71 percent among pregnant women and 75 percent among under-five children in Myanmar.
The company called on women to “unite at the event, for a healthy cause and anemia-free future.”
Celebrity Dr Chit Thu Wai and nutritionist Dr U Hla Kyi is expected to give health talks on the common blood condition at the end of the walkathon.
“Myanmar’s iron deficiencies lead to a remarkably high prevalence rate of anemia. It’s a public health problem that needs to be addressed and addressed urgently.
“We see this walkathon as a big step in educating people and creating awareness on anemia. We request all women to participate in this walkathon and show your support to make the country free from anemia,” said Brajesh Hurkat, Mega’s Myanmar Brands Director.
Interested participants can register on Facebook, through SMS or turn in registration forms found in journals and on flyers to local drug stores. To register, SMS can be sent to 18877 with name, NRC number, age and email. More information can be found on Ferrovit Myanmar’s facebook page.
