Airtel Zambia employees partner with World Vision to fight COVID-19
Employees at Airtel Networks Zambia Plc have donated masks, sanitiser and hand-washing basins to World Vision to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Chibombo District, Central Province. The donation held at World Vision's Zambia Headquarters in Lusaka this morning, comprised of 1,000 reusable masks, 1,000 bottles of hand sanitiser and 100 wash basins with stands; all valued at K54,000 ($2,600). It was part of Airtel’s “Changing Lives” programme which aims to partner with entities like World Vision, whose humanitarian work across the country similarly focuses on carrying out sensitisation activities for health workers and community leaders to fight the spread of the pandemic.
Speaking during the donation, Airtel Zambia's Human Resource Director, Bwembya Barbara Chikonde said: “We are pleased to support World Vision in ensuring that Zambia’s local communities are front and centre in the fight against COVID-19. The pandemic continues to wreak havoc all over the world on levels unprecedented and it is our duty as responsible corporate citizens to support critical efforts that protect livelihoods. We are proud as a company to acknowledge that these contributions by Airtel Zambia employees aim to support the health sector in the fight against the pandemic.’’
World Vision has been working with the Zambian Government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the country by equipping health facilities and isolation centres, and establishing prevention measures across the country. Airtel Zambia has recognised World Vision's response and therefore partnered to scale up their response in Chibombo District.
On hand to receive the donation, World Vision's Zambia Board Chairman, Malcom Chabala said that fighting the COVID-19 pandemic requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders like Airtel Zambia: “Fighting this pandemic was not going to be an easy task. We need support from all sectors of the economy to see that all Zambian people are well protected. Today, we have received this donation from Airtel Zambia which we intend to distribute among our front-line workers and the most vulnerable communities in Chibombo District. We appreciate the support and thank the employees of Airtel Zambia for their contributions towards this important initiative. Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19.’’