Airtel raises GH¢25,000 to fight Ebola
Airtel Ghana has raised GH¢25, 000 to support the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health (MoH) to help prevent the outbreak of Ebola in the country.
The money was used to purchase infrared hand-held thermometers which are currently needed at all the entry points in the country.
Airtel Ghana presented the Infra-red hand-held thermometers, which numbered 70, to the Ministry of Health at a ceremony in Accra.
The Human Resource and Administration Manager for Airtel Ghana, Mrs Tina Muraida, noted that Airtel sought to make positive impact in the communities in which it operated, focusing primarily on health, education and the environment.
“When news started trickling in some weeks ago about the ravaging effects of Ebola on our neighbouring countries, Airtel as a business was on the move internally to ascertain how to contribute to preventive measures that will be taken by government”, she said.
She said Airtel had a look at the MoH document concerning Ghana’s preparedness for Ebola and realised what was urgently needed was the thermometers, hence the decision to purchase them with the money that was raised.
“We believe this will go a long way to kick-start the whole preparation process and give confidence to people who use the entry points,” she added.
Ministry of Health
A public health specialist from the Ghana Health Service, Mr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, also called on stakeholders and partners to emulate Airtel in order to address the threats posed by Ebola.
He advised the media not to create unnecessary fear and panic but rather educate people on the disease.
The Director for Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the MoH, Dr Afigah Zakariah, also assured Airtel that the MoH was ready to protect the country against Ebola and would therefore place the thermometers at all the 57 borders and airports in the country.
She also called on other corporate bodies to join in the fight against ebola. “We are in this together. Healthcare is very expensive and we all have to contribute in our own small way,” she said.