AFRICA – Nestlé has put up a fight to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Central and West Africa by supporting 170,000 families and frontline health workers with a donation worth US$3.4m.
At a time when hunger is a growing concern, the company is donating food and beverages to 170,000 families, corresponding to 850,000 people, across the region in Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameron, Gabon, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.
In addition, Nestlé is also contributing masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep frontline health workers safe.
The company is also donating medical equipment to hospitals in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal. Additionally, in Burkina Faso, it will donate three ventilators, for use in intensive care units.
This initiative will be carried out in partnership with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
“We’re offering our full support to families across Central and West Africa during these challenging times, and to those who are battling to keep them safe,” said Rémy Ejel, CEO of Nestlé Central and West Africa Ltd.
“Nestlé has been present in Central & West Africa for more than 60 years. We live and operate in these communities across the region, so we are committed to help in any way that we can,” Mr Ejel said.
Contributing to improving sanitation, the company will contribute close to US$420,000 to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) activities in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal through its partnership with the IFRC.
The donation to the IFRC, which is part of the total relief effort in the region, includes cash donations and supply of medical and other equipment.
The two partners aim to limit the transmission of the virus by improving hygiene practices in public areas such as bus stations and in communities where WASH infrastructure is lacking.
In addition, they will join forces to sensitize people about prevention measures and the importance of eating safe and nutritious foods.
Continuing with its operation, the food and beverage company said that is committed to ensuring people continue to have access to safe, affordable and nutritious foods to feed their families in these uncertain times.
Production has continued at Nestlé sites in the region, despite the challenges faced.
Nestlé has implemented enhanced hygiene protocols and additional safety measures for the frontline staff working at its ten factories, its distribution centres and its sales offices.
PPEs have also been provided to suppliers, distributors and retailers, including MAGGI ‘Mammies’ and ‘Pappies’ working in open markets.
“We are doing all we can to ensure that our employees, contractors and partners remain healthy and safe. This is our number one priority. We are so grateful for their efforts and their determination to keep supplying our communities with food and beverages, despite the challenges,” said Mr Ejel.
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