The Equity Bank Group Managing Director & CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, has urged members of the clergy to be at the forefront in the fight against spread of Covid-19, now that scientists and medical experts have warned of a strong possibility of Kenya experiencing a fourth wave in July.
Mwangi noted that churches ought to educate their congregants on the need to protect and adhere to the laid-out Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines, to avoid the spread of the deadly virus.
“Use the pulpit to educate Kenyans. This war will not be won by PPEs, this war will be won by an individual Kenyan who obliges with the protocols that the Ministry of Health is providing. Mission hospitals and the church have been known since independence for helping fight disease,” said Equity Bank CEO.
Speaking at AIC Litein Mission Hospital grounds, when he presented Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the medical facility, Dr. Mwangi said there was critical need for the government, wananchi and hospitals to work together in the war against spread of Covid-19.
“It is the desire of the Kenya Covid-19 Fund Board to bring together the government, the churches and mission hospitals to fight Covid- 19. Together we can win the war against Covid-19,” stressed Dr. Mwangi.
He urged the residents to ensure they observe the health regulations and guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Health for their own protection against the deadly virus that has claimed many lives.
“All of us must be disciplined in wearing of masks, all of us must be disciplined in washing hands and all of us must be disciplined in practicing social distance. This is a viral disease that is spread airborne and without the compliance with the protocols, you stand a very high risk of contracting the disease,” said Equity bank CEO.He said the Equity Group Foundation was committed to partnering with the Ministry of Health (MOH) in supporting front line health workers, who risk their lives to treat Kenyans, who have contracted the dreaded Covid-19 virus.
Dr. Mwangi who also chairs Kenya Covid-19 Fund Board, appreciated that the PPEs are being produced in the country, adding that this had drastically reduced their cost but also helping the government acquire quality gears as well as create employment to more than 7,000 Kenyans while divulging those 76 factories in the countries have been involved in the manufacture of various PPEs.
“Kenya eventually became one of the leading exporters of PPEs in the world. Production of PPEs in the country helped in the reduction of prices for instance the surgical masks each was going for Sh800 now one can get a mask at five shillings, the entire surgical suits was going for Sh20,000 and is now at Sh650. We have created affordability as well as created jobs,” noted Mwangi. He revealed that the Kenya Covid-19 Board and Equity Group Foundation, will provide comprehensive support to 56 referral hospitals and 60 faith-based hospitals around the country with supplies of PPEs for a period of 18 months.
The consignment included disposable gloves, disposable gowns, head and hair covers, surgical masks, N95 respirator masks and medical scrubs.
Among those in attendance were the Bureti Sub- County Deputy Commissioner, Lawrence Omondi, Deputy Presiding Bishop, AIC Kenya, Bishop Paul Kirui, AIC South Rift leaders Reverend Joseah Too, Reverend Joseph Kamoing and the CEO of AIC Litein Mission Hospital, Joshua Tonui.
By Sarah Njagi
