This archive report was first published on 9 July 2021.
On July 9, 2021, Equity Bank Group Managing Director & CEO Dr. James Mwangi emphasized the importance of religious organizations in the fight against Covid-19, warning of a possible fourth wave in Kenya.
Dr. Mwangi, who also chairs the Kenya Covid-19 Fund Board, urged members of the clergy to educate their congregants on the need to adhere to Ministry of Health guidelines to prevent the spread of the 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,” Dr. Mwangi said.
Speaking at AIC Litein Mission Hospital, Dr. Mwangi presented Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the medical facility, highlighting the need for collaboration between the government, wananchi, and hospitals in the fight against Covid-19.
He revealed that the Kenya Covid-19 Board and Equity Group Foundation would provide comprehensive support to 56 referral hospitals and 60 faith-based hospitals around the country with supplies of PPEs for 18 months.
The consignment included disposable gloves, disposable gowns, head and hair covers, surgical masks, N95 respirator masks, and medical scrubs.
Dr. Mwangi also appreciated the production of PPEs in Kenya, which had reduced their cost and created employment for over 7,000 Kenyans.
“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, surgical masks were going for Sh800, now one can get a mask at five shillings,” Dr. Mwangi noted.
