COVID-19: UBA announces Sh1.42b aid to African countries
Kenya is among 20 countries set to benefit from $14 million (Sh1.42 billion) United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA)'s initiative to intensify the battle against novel coronavirus.
UBA, one of Africa's leading financial institutions, would disburse the funds through its foundation to catalyse a comprehensive pan-African response to the fight against Covid-19.
Making the announcement, UBA Group chairman, Tony Elumelu said this is a time when everyone must their part, adding that the coronavirus pandemic must bring citizens, governments and business leaders together – and quickly.
“As we see a rapidly increasing number of cases of the Coronavirus in Nigeria and Africa, the private sector has to work hand in hand with various governments, in stemming the spread of the global pandemic,” he said.
Elumelu said the donation will provide much needed support to Nigeria and 19 other African countries, by supplying relief materials, critical care facilities and financial support to Governments.
Out of the money, $2.8 million (Sh292.29 million) will go to Lagos State government in Nigeria, $1.4 million to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, $2.8 million (Sh292.29 million) to the remaining 35 states in Nigeria.
However, $4.2 million (Sh438.44 million) will go to countries where UBA has presence in Africa, $2.8 million (Sh292.29 billion) will go for the Medical Centres with equipment and supplies.
Part of the money will be used free telemedicine call centre facility. The pan- African bank will fund a medical centre immediately in Lagos, Nigeria, with beds for isolation and ICU facilities, managed and operated in partnership with Heirs Holdings’ healthcare subsidiary, Avon Medical Hospital.
In addition, UBA will provide a free telemedicine platform, that is physician-led, to provide direct access to medical advice to citizens, in compliance with social distancing requirements.
“We commend the efforts of governments and we are keen to partner and contribute our resources to the collective effort, which will ensure the response to the pandemic is swift and effective,” Elumelu said.
Operating in 20 African countries and globally in the United Kingdom, the United States and France, UBA has a strong record of supporting its communities, through challenging times.
