NCDC commends Airtel for role in fight against COVID

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has lauded Airtel for its role and support towards the COVID-19 pandemic response in Nigeria.

Speaking at an event in Lagos on Saturday, Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the NCDC, expressed appreciation to Airtel for providing digital outreach platforms, access, connectivity and joining in the national campaign to sensitise Nigerians on how to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Ihekweazu said the Airtel SMS channel was very effective in information dissemination and data gathering, as it not only reached the target audience but was considered credible and authentic by the stakeholders.

“I commend Airtel for its support and on behalf of the NCDC, I will like to present an award recognising Airtel’s efforts in fighting COVID-19 in Nigeria,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by Airtel.

In his remarks, Surendran Chemmenkoti, the chief executive officer and managing director of Airtel Nigeria, said the company will continue to leverage on its digital resources and network infrastructure to fight infectious diseases in Nigeria.

“Airtel is pleased with the partnership with the NCDC and we will not rest on our laurels. As a key stakeholder and responsible corporate citizen, we will continue to collaborate with government in creating opportunities and platforms that will protect and empower Nigerians,” he said.

The telecoms giant said during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it offered the NCDC toll-free lines and phones to enable the agency process the deluge of phone calls it was besieged with and also curtail spread of the virus.

It also said it connected NCDC offices in the 774 LGAs in Nigeria with broadband services, riding on its “robust” 4G network architecture.

“Airtel said it believes that expanding the NCDC virtual, electronic and internet access points will enable more Nigerians get the much needed help they require as well as facilitate instant sharing of important information that will greatly limit the current wave of the pandemic,” the statement added.