The support is in line with The Rockefeller Foundation’s tradition of supporting the practice of public health in its areas of operation.
Nairobi, April 22, 2020—Today, The Rockefeller Foundation announced a USD 1 million grant to Amref Health Africa, to provide essential medical equipment to Kenya’s Ministry of Health and strengthen the government’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. In line with the Ministry of Health standards and requirements, this grant funds Amref Health Africa’s procurement of 100 hospital beds, 300 infrared thermometers, 10,000 masks, 10 ventilators, 5,000 PPE kits, 20 patient monitors and 10,000 face shields.
The Rockefeller Foundation’s Managing Director for Africa, Mr. William Asiko said, “In keeping with our consistent efforts of supporting Universal Health Coverage and enhanced awareness on sanitation and public health, we are here to show our commitment to Amref Health Africa and the Ministry of Health in their efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya.”
This intervention comes on the back of data showing that the average readiness in Africa is about 66 percent and the most significant gaps are in rapid response teams, infection prevention and control, case management and risk communication, and community engagement (RCCE). The threat posed to people across the continent is considerable, taking into account Africa’s 1.2 billion people and health systems that are already overburdened with ongoing disease outbreaks and other health issues.
The Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said, “We welcome the support by The Rockefeller Foundation and Amref Health Africa which will go a long way into cementing our efforts in fighting the virus. The Ministry is overwhelmed by the support of development partners and the private sector. We are committed to enhancing the efforts to flatten the curve to ensure that Kenya wins this fight.”
Speaking on behalf of Amref Health Africa, Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Githinji Gitahi said, “We appreciate the grant from The Rockefeller Foundation which will play a vital role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. To efficiently stop the spread of the virus, we must prioritize the protection of health workers, increase public communications and community ownership to strengthen awareness and sustain behaviour change.”
This support comes after The Rockefeller Foundation recently announced a USD 50 million commitment for COVID-19-related programs worldwide, which includes providing key assistance and support in the cities where it operates.
Mr. Asiko added, “Our support does not stop here. We will continue to work and support the Ministry of Health in its efforts to fight the pandemic by identifying new partners and identifying the most urgent issues to address while protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. We urge the public to adhere to the guidelines as directed by health and security officials.”
For more information, please contact:
Wadzanayi Muchenje
wmuchenje@rockfound.org
About The Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation advances new frontiers of science, data, and innovation to solve global challenges related to health, food, power, and economic mobility. As a science-driven philanthropy focused on building collaborative relationships with partners and grantees, The Rockefeller Foundation seeks to inspire and foster large-scale human impact that promotes the well-being of humanity throughout the world by identifying and accelerating breakthrough solutions, ideas, and conversations. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at rockefellerfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @RockefellerFdn.
About Amref
Amref Health Africa, headquartered in Kenya, is the largest Africa based International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) currently running programmes in over 35 countries in Africa with lessons learnt over 60 years of engagement with governments, communities, and partners to increase sustainable health access in Africa.
Amref Health Africa also incorporates programme development, fundraising, partnership, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, and has offices in Europe and North America as well as subsidiaries: Amref Flying Doctors, Amref Enterprises and the Amref International University
www.amref.org