Airtel Malawi donates Mk104 million to help fight COVID-19

Airtel Malawi plc on Monday (22 June,2020) donated K104 million towards Covid-19 response operations, specifically for the purchase of ventilators and oxygen concentrators.

Speaking in Lilongwe during the official handover ceremony of the donation, Airtel Malawi plc Managing Director Charles Kamoto said the gesture is a continuation of various roles the company has been playing in the wake of Covid-19.

“As everyone else, we are scared of the developments around Covid-19. The numbers are escalating and while we have played quite a number of roles in preventing further spread of the virus through communication of SMSs [short message services] to our customers, we realise that we can also play another role in saving lives in case someone reaches a critical condition, hence our contribution of K104 million which will go towards the purchase of ventilators and oxygen concentrators,” said Kamoto.

Co-Chairperson of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 Dr. John Phuka was grateful for the donation.

Said Phuka, “We are extremely thankful for the support from Airtel. The company has been supporting Covid-19 response operations through enhancing communication and awareness efforts via its SMS platforms. They have also directly supported administrative needs of Covid-19 response operations through the provision of airtime. The company has also been instrumental in aiding learners to access online lessons following closure of schools in the country.

“Today’s support is extremely important, it goes towards intensive care services and we will use the funds to purchase ventilators and oxygen concentrators.”

As of Sunday (21st June, 2020), Malawi had recorded 749 Covid-19 cases, including 11 deaths, 258 recoveries and 480 active cases.