Nigeria Gets Over N1.4b Support From Mtn To Fight Covid19.

Over N1.4billion has been allocated to medical personnel through airtime, data, and devices for connectivity to support frontline health agencies including the center for disease control to fight the coronavirus in Nigeria.

Commenting on the issue, chairman for MTN Ernest Ndukwe made it clear that the threat imposed by the coronavirus needs -argent support from both the public and the private sectors and that they must all work together to deliver in this difficult times.

“The threat that COVID-19 represents to Nigeria requires an unprecedented response from the public and the private sector. We must all work together to develop and deliver the solutions that will allow us to contain this threat and protect the most vulnerable in our communities across the country”.

He further added that, this is the first face of the support and it is targeted at the rapid intervention needed and that as the situation continues, they will deepen and extend their commitment to providing all the support they can to the government.

“This first phase of support is targeted at the interventions that we are best positioned to deliver at this stage. As the situation evolves, we are fully committed to deepening and extending these commitments to provide all the support we can to the government, and our people. It is only by working together, that we can overcome this challenge. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the collaborative spirit with which all stakeholders are working to contain COVID-19”.

“We all have a role to play in stemming the upheaval we have seen brought on by this pandemic globally. To protect each other, our families and keep the most vulnerable in our communities healthy we must all make it a priority to STAY SAFE. Listen to health experts, be disciplined about personal hygiene and practice social distancing. Working together, we can change the course of this pandemic. and because We are good together. We will get through this.”

It was also stated that it has partnered with the NCDC to provide its staff with access to voice data services to help them carry out their duties successfully. It was also made clear in the statement that, they are partnering with State Governments through the Nigerian Governors Forum to ensure they stay connected during this period and continue to deliver governance remotely.

“As we continue to work with our stakeholders to ensure operational sustainability, we are concentrating on the areas where we can provide the most effective support to the Federal and State governments. A significant part of our commitment is to ensure that our infrastructure can be utilized effectively by health services to guarantee they can carry out their duties. That’s why we have partnered with the NCDC to provide its staff with access to voice and data services, telephones and toll-free lines to co-ordinate their response.

The NCDC is at the frontline of our response and needs to be given every chance to contain COVID-19.

“We are supporting government at federal and state levels with communication systems, analytical response management, and risk profiling.  These tools will enhance the capacity and preparedness of each state to manage the outbreak proactively, enabling them to identify the vulnerable segments of the population who require social intervention during the lockdown.

Also, we have to partner with State Governments through the Nigerian Governors Forum to ensure they stay connected during this period and continue to deliver governance remotely. We are committed to providing this support for as long as necessary and will expand it if the pandemic becomes more acute.

Reference/biztechafrica.com