Airtel has partnered with the Ministry of Health to support government’s efforts to sensitize the public on Ebola preparedness, prevention and response plan.
Through this partnership, Airtel will disseminate Ebola related communication designed by the Ministry of Health to its customers through SMS. Airtel will also provide a toll free number 1191 that customers using Airtel lines can reach the MOH to report, and obtain feedback from the Ministry of Health Ebola response team. The Company will also provide free internet connectivity per month to the Ministry Emergency Communication Centre which will allow the ministry’s customer care team to respond efficiently and effectively to Ebola queries raised on social media.
Commenting on the partnership, Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi said, “Airtel is delighted at the opportunity to be able to play a part in educating the public on the management of Ebola. This is in line with the company’s spirit of using its communication technology in support of community health programs.”
Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health, James Macharia said; “The Ministry of Health is happy with the effort made by Airtel in sensitizing the public on Ebola. We believe that public private partnerships are critical in ensuring that we give our citizens the best health care possible. This is not only a constitutional mandate but a serious responsibility given to us. Our people can rest assured that government is doing everything possible to protect them from Ebola and indeed all other threats. We have procured the best technology and trained health care workers. This remains our assurance to Kenyans.”
In September this year, Airtel Kenya staff joined their counterparts in Sierra Leone to raise funds towards the fight against the deadly Ebola virus that has so far claimed over 5,000 lives across some parts of West Africa.