The United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has revealed that it will be donating a sum of over N5 billion which is equivalent to $14 million to aid in fighting against the coronavirus pandemic in Africa.
The donation is expected to provide significant support to Nigeria and 19 other African countries, by supplying them with relief materials, critical care facilities, and financial support to Governments through the UBA Foundation.
The UBA support programme will be allocated as follows:
- N1 billion (USD2.8 million) to Lagos State Government in Nigeria
- N500 million (USD1.4 million) to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
- N1 billion (USD2.8 million) to the remaining 35 states in Nigeria
- N1.5 billion (USD4.2 million) to UBA’s presence countries in Africa
- N1 billion (USD2.8 million) for Medical Centres with equipment and supplies
- Free Telemedicine call centre facility
A medical centre will be funded in Lagos, with beds for isolation and ICU facilities, managed and operated in partnership with Heirs Holdings’ healthcare subsidiary and Avon Medical Hospital.
UBA will also provide free digital healthcare services by providing a digital platform that allows patients connect with doctors remotely without going to the hospital which is in compliance with social distancing requirements.
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UBA Group Chairman Tony O. Elumelu, stated: “This is a time when we must all play our part. This global 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.
“We commend the efforts of governments and we are keen to partner and contribute our resources to the collective effort, that will ensure the response to the pandemic is swift and effective”.