Otega O
All companies have social responsibility roles to play to their host communities, and Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has proven times without number that it understands what needs to be done. Recently, the company donated K5m to Zambia’s Ministry of Health so that funds could be available to wage war against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The novel coronavirus is no respecter of borders. Even the high and might, economically and health-wise, are feeling the heat.
The check was handed over to Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, Zambia’s Minister of Health, by Mr. Apoorva Mehrotra, Airtel Zambia Managing Director. Dr. Chitalu was accompanied by other ministers, including Engineer Misheck Lungu, Ministry of Transport and Communication’s Permanent Secretary.
The Airtel Zambia Managing Director made a statement that the company was interested in participating in the fight against a global pandemic that’s not only in Africa but the world at large.
Mr. Mehrotra was quoted as saying Airtel Zambia decided to contribute the sum of K5m to assist the government of Zambia in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The company head said the fund made available would help to provide the necessary equipment for the frontline staff, that are working day and night to save lives.
The Zambia Health Minister was full of praise for the private organization, Airtel Zambia. The minister pinpointed that it was a timely donation that will help strengthen the country in the fight against the global pandemic, COVID-19.
Dr. Chitalu Chilufya said, and I quote, “We are all grateful for your timely contribution. It will help the country in the fight against the novel virus that has put the world to a standstill.
Engineer Lungu also showed appreciation. He said his Ministry was overjoyed to see numerous stakeholders in the country, including the private sector, show some solidarity behind the government in such a difficult time in the country.
Airtel has also made some giant strides to ensure the social distancing rule is followed. In its retail shops, the company made sure there is no physical contact between customers and staff. It provided hand sanitizers for frontline staff, including gloves for employees who receive and count monies.
The company also sends messages about preventive measures of the pandemic to educate its users for free. Lusaka Provincial Health Office was also provided with some phones to ease communication between patients and healthcare professionals.
Airtel Money has also shown support with regards to cashless services. It raised its daily limits to ZMW 20,000 for Tier 1 customers, ZMW 100,000 for Tier 2 customers. Airtel to Airtel transfers, were also free of charge, though it ends on April 30th, 2020.
