Government receives Kshs.100 million boost to fight COVID-19

The government has received Kshs.100 million boost from
Co-operative Bank, to aid in the fight against Coronavirus pandemic.

The funds which goes straight to the National Emergency
Response Fund, is aimed at buying more ventilators, which are critical in the
fight against the viral flu.

Co-op Bank Chief Executive Officer Gideon Muriuki said on
Monday that the country need to source critical life-saving medical supplies,
which have run short in the global supply.

“The Board of Directors and Staff of Co-operative Bank is
honoured to support with a contribution of Kshs.100 million, preferable to be
allocated to the purchase of critical ventilators,” said the CEO.

Mr. Muriuki said the Emergency Response Kitty gives all
Kenyans and the entire community, an opportunity to offer their much needed
support in the fight against Coronavirus pandemic.

He added that the bank appreciates the move by president
Uhuru Kenyatta, which has rallied the whole country to come together in the
fight against the virus.

This comes even as the number of COVID-19 cases in the
country soars in the country, with the latest tally as at Sunday 5, standing at
142.

The government said it is working towards increasing the
medical equipment required, with the local manufacturing of PPEs ongoing.

However, ventilators have posed a major threat to the fight,
owing to fact that there is global supply shortage.

Ventilators are critical in the sense that they aid patients
with pre-existing conditions, who are more susceptible Coronavirus infections.

Medics have advised those with breathing difficulties to be
put under ventilators, aiding their lungs acquire enough oxygen.