The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has today handed over a shipment of Personal Protective Equipment and other medical equipment worth Kshs16 Million to the Ministry of Health. The donations include 230 Mackintosh covered hospital mattresses, hand sanitizers and over 1,716 N95 Masks. Other contributions include 10 cartons glove and 50 litres of sanitizer, greenline masks, face shield, and 3PLY surgical masks.
The donations will remain a valuable tool beyond the immediate need and will be used long after the pandemic in improving the long-term capacity of our healthcare system.
KEPSA through KHF and its partners including BobMill, L’Oreal East Africa, Covestro, and Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), has presented an array of donations to the Ministry of Health. This is In response to the call from the Government of Kenya to mobilize resources to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
In March, KEPSA launched “Flowers of Hope” campaign under its economic framework for COVID-19 response. “Through the campaign that has ensured that farmworkers do not lose their jobs. KEPSA has also distributed flowers to hospitals in Kenya and Europe. Including 300 bouquets to nurses to mark the International Day of the Nurse,” KEPSA CEO Carole Karuga said.
Dr. Amit Thakker, the KHF chairman, said: “The donations will be distributed to both public and private healthcare facilities. That are at the frontline of the fight against the pandemic and that will depend on how much they need.”
” PrideInn has also waived accommodation costs of the 72 individuals quarantined at the PrideInn Centres,” he added
Dr Kepha Ombacho, the Director of Special Programmes at the Health Ministry said, “In spite of the tough business environment on account of COVID-19 outbreak. The private sector has found it necessary to join hands with the government in flattening the curve,” said Dr. Ombacho at the ceremony at Afya House.
KEPSA CEO Carol Karuga said, the private sector is working tirelessly to source for funds and equipment to be distributed to first responders and frontline healthcare professionals. “We are excited that members of the private sector continue responding to our calls to assist with visible impact. We will continue to mobilize private sector leadership and resources to support health facilities to respond to the crisis. And use their reach to increase awareness about the pandemic,”
The Architectural Association of Kenya has also handed over a handbook on proposed guidelines on planning and design of COVID-19 Quarantine and Treatment centres. Including long term infrastructural intervention for the Kenya context. While Dimension Data will provide on-net connectivity and bandwidth for frontline healthcare facilities.