The Equity Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. James Mwangi has expressed the need for more public sensitization on containing the spread of covid-19, citing the recent surge of positive cases in the country.
Mwangi noted that every institution, including churches should be in the forefront in educating people on how to avoid the spread of the disease.
Speaking at a function where PPEs were issued to medics in Murang’a Level-4 hospital on Monday, the CEO said some Kenyans have become reluctant in adhering to health protocols laid down to help control spread of coronavirus. The PPEs were donated by Equity bank group in collaboration with Kenya Covid-19 Fund.
He said the health protocols given are very easy to follow but some Kenyans are behaving as if the disease does not exist.
“Covid-19 is real but it’s like our people have become reluctant to follow simple health protocols given to ensure containment of spread of the disease,” said Mwangi.
“It’s unfortunate that people are forgetting to wash or sanitize their hands or keep social distance. This trend has led to an increase in covid-19 cases,” added Mwangi.
His sentiments were echoed by the Murang’a governor, Mwangi wa Iria who said Kenyans have at least stopped shaking hands.
“If social distance can be embraced the way people have stopped shaking hands, the fight on coronavirus can get a big boost,” he further said.
“We can invest any amount of money to fight against Covid 19 but if Kenyans fail to observe given health guidelines, all the investment will be rendered useless,” added the governor.
Meanwhile, the equity CEO who also chairs Kenya Covid-19 Fund Board appreciated that the PPEs are being produced in the country, saying Kenya no longer imports the materials but is now exporting to neighbouring countries.
The Ministry of Health had earlier identified 68 public hospitals that will receive PPEs for up to 18 months.
The consignment includes disposable gowns, surgical masks, N95 respirator masks, nitrile gloves, head/hair covers, shoe covers, and gumboots.
By Bernard Munyao
