Riders for Health is proud to say that we have been chosen as the international charity in the Times Appeal. Throughout December, the Times will feature inspirational stories and photos from our work in Zambia, The Gambia and Lesotho.
Riders for Health featured in the Times Appeal
In our latest article, featured in Saturday’s newspaper, Times journalist Robert Crampton reported on a Riders for Health programme that is saving many lives in Zambia; the quick and efficient transportation of medical samples between rural health clinics and laboratories.
On the frontline of this innovative motorcycle courier system is 26 year old Sample Courier, Piero Sakala. Since receiving his Riders motorcycle, he has travelled over 40,000 miles collecting, on average, 100 samples a month.
One in six Zambians is HIV positive. The speedy transportation of samples to the lab means a faster diagnosis and earlier treatment. Piero recognises that he has a very important job; ‘We are lifesavers. We reach people in rural areas that otherwise cannot be reached. It’s a big responsibility.’
With the training he received for Riders for Health, Piero is able to navigate bumpy roads ensuring that the samples are not damaged.
Keep looking out for many more stories from our work in Zambia, the Gambia and Lesotho throughout December. If you would like to make a donation to the Times Christmas Appeal, click here.