The United Nations Children’s Fund has received the delivery of 115,800 COVID-19 test kits to support the fight against Corona pandemic in Nigeria .
The supplies was funded by IHS Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of IHS Towers.
The Deputy Representative and OIC, Rushnan Murtaza, who represented UNICEF Nigeria at the event disclosed that, as the COVID -19 pandemic hit Nigeria, IHS Nigeria has been offering support to fight against the spread of the COVID-19 virus, through the provision of crucial supplies , including oxygen concentrators and personal protective equipment.
“The organization have continued their support through procurement of test kits to strengthen the efforts made by the Government of Nigeria in COVID-19 response , thereby benefitting thousands of people in Nigeria”.
She added that IHS Towers through their contribution is the biggest private sector donor for UNICEF’s emergency response to COVID-19 pandemic.
” We believe and this has been demonstrated by IHS, and many other private partners that the vibrant business sector in Nigeria, working in conjunction with government and development partner holds the key to accelerating positive results in the area of accessing basic services including health, education , and other social services “.
The Deputy Representative also noted that this kind gesture have shown that being socially responsible as a business is not mutually exclusive to profit making and growth.
” The private sector has been widely acknowledged to be an indispensable partner in development and emergency situations. Given their reach and influence, there is a great opportunity to work with them to provide quantum leap, leading to the achievement of SDGs”.
The Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish noted that his organization is committed to managing and mitigating the effect of the virus.
“We are proud to have played an important role in supporting the Government and our communities where we operate to provide crucial tools needed to fight this pandemic. “
“We understand this virus is here to stay for the foreseeable future, but are confident that with our support, and that of our other private sector colleagues, we will manage the situation effectively”.
He gave assurance that IHS will continue to work with UNICEF Nigeria in other interventions that will aid in achieving the SDG goals.
The Director General of NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said testing remains a core strategy of Nigeria’s response to COVID-19.
” This is critical for understanding the burden of the disease on our population and targeting our response activities accordingly. The primary goal of the Nigerian Government is to control the spread of the disease.”
“This donation from IHS Nigeria through UNICEF will contribute to the national stockpile of test kits managed by NCDC, and support efforts of the growing network of accredited laboratories across the country for the testing of COVID-19.”
He commended UNICEF, IHS Towers and the media partners for their support during the period of the pandemic .
