£6.1 million pledged to support Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital

£6.1 million pledged to support Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital

As the world pays tribute to Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday 5 December 2013, Islamic Relief announced its pledge to support a cutting-edge children’s hospital that forms part of his legacy.

Located in South Africa, the hospital will act as a hub for health centres throughout the region and will shift the way Africa views its children, by providing state-of-the-art specialist care to all children.

Islamic Relief has pledged US$10 million – around £6.1 million – to support the development of the hospital’s oncology wing. It wing will provide specialist cancer services to children, including screening and diagnosis, as well as follow-up and palliative care.

Dr Mohamed Ashmawey, Chief Executive of Islamic Relief Worldwide said: “Nelson Mandela was an inspiration for many around the world. He dedicated his life to equality, justice, reconciliation and freedom. His global legacy is far-reaching and profound. Islamic Relief is proud to support a hospital which will carry his name, and will be a leading light in the treatment of children. We pray that this will be a fitting tribute to his legacy.”

Construction of the hospital is expected to begin in the coming months. A model of the finished building can be seen in the image above.