Madonna Visits Malawi Hospital, As Son Receives Tribal Name
While Madonna usually makes headlines for her wild antics, her latest efforts are of a philanthropic nature, with the Queen of Pop visiting Malawi to tour a hospital wing for which she has donated funds. The wing will be host to medical services that will help to save the lives of many area children. While in the area, Madonna also witnessed a ceremony in which her adopted son, David Banda, received his tribal name. Madonna was joined by her biological son, Rocco, who accompanied her to Malawi.
Madonna Helps A Malawi Hospital Provide Better Care For Children
Blantyre, the largest city in Malawi, is the location of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, which has been receiving donations from Madonna in an effort to help establish a new wing. Madonna visited the hospital, eager to see how her donations were being utilized, and met with President Peter Mutharika and health minister Peter Kumpalume, reports ABC News. Madonna toured the pediatric unit, which has been under construction since May of last year and is expected to be completed sometime in 2017.
“This new facility is the first pediatric surgery and intensive care unit in any Malawi hospital. It will have an enormous impact on saving the lives of children,” said Madonna. “In addition to raising the quality and availability of health care, we are also preparing for the future by training more Malawian medical staff in specialized pediatric care.”
While the new wing is still unnamed, Madonna says that’s the least of their worries. She points out that they have the two most important things: a building and a dream to provide better care for the children in need of medical treatment. Madonna adds that she will continue to support the hospital until it can obtain the equipment and support staff needed to provide quality care.
“It’s going to be my responsibility to make sure that this place has the equipment and is fully operational on a regular basis,” says Madonna. “So I have a big job ahead of me. Wish me luck.”
Madonna’s Son, David Banda, Receives Tribal Name
Mirror provides reports that Madonna is back on track with her family, getting along well with her son Rocco, as the two supported Madonna’s adopted son, David, as he received his tribal name in the Malawi city. Madonna adopted David in Malawi in 2008, so she proudly returned to his native homeland with him to witness the honor he was to receive.
Madonna walked with her sons throughout the village, as the pop singer discussed what means to be responsible and to become an adult. Sharing a picture of that walk with her Instagram followers, Madonna revealed the nature of her talk with her sons in a brief caption.
“Discussing Responsibility. One must live up to their name!”
Madonna took a picture of David receiving his tribal name, which became another Instagram memory for her followers to appreciate.
“David Receives his Ngoni tribal name in his ancestral village,” Madonna captioned that image.
The hospital tour and the time spent with her sons represent only a portion of the time Madonna spent in Malawi, as the Rebel Heart recording artist worked tirelessly to raise awareness and support for the impoverished area. Madonna’s fans might not have recognized her, as she toured the streets of Malawi, as she lacked the glamour and style of her concert performances in favor of putting the local population at ease. Madonna also declined to wear any make-up, as she walked the streets and met with the First Lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta.
“Meeting with Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta, the first lady of Kenya! Learning about her Beyond Zero Campaign which targets eliminating maternal and child mortality in Kenya and hoping to join forces to promote Female Empowerment! Around the World! happy 4th!” wrote Madonna in the caption of a photo of that meeting, which she also shared on Instagram.
[Image by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for People.com]
