CACOVID donates 150-bed isolation centre, multimillion-naira equipment to Lagos

The Private Sector led Coalition Against COVID-19 has donated a 150-bed fully equipped isolation facility with medical equipment worth millions of naira to the Lagos State government, to provide support in the fight against the virus.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Yaba Isolation centre, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that the facility would further strengthen the state’s healthcare system in dealing with the challenges of the pandemic as the state currently leads the toll of Nigeria’s COVID-19 infections with over 10,000 confirmed cases.

The governor commended the coalition’s efforts in mobilising resources quickly to support emergency responses and pledged that the donated facility would be used to provide adequate treatment to infected and help to stop the overall spread of the virus within the state.

He urged all citizens to continue to take responsibility and follow directives of the government and health professionals towards reducing the spread of the virus and saving lives.

“We need to take responsibility because the virus knows no race, ethnicity, religion or boundary. We need to take responsibility for our loved ones by wearing a face mask, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene to reduce morbidity and mortality,” the governor said.

He further disclosed plans by his administration to build an international infectious disease research centre, doctors’ quarters and permanent isolation wards at the Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba as part of Lagos COVID-19 response and other infectious disease preparedness in post-COVID-19 era.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the centre was the sixth facility in the state dedicated to the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

He further said the 150-bed facility donated by CACOVID would be used for the management of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients and would assist in admitting and providing care for more patients.

Also speaking at the event, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, said collaboration between the private sector and the government was vital to prevent the spread of the virus and save lives.

According to him, N29bn has been donated so far by members of the coalition towards supporting government’s efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and that the funds were used to build and equip isolation centres across the country.

Emefiele said 32 isolation centres were built as of today, with a target to reach 39 isolation centres by the end of July.

The CBN governor added that CACOVID also provided food palliatives to members of the public across the country.

He commended members of the coalition for their generous and selfless donations in helping the nation fight the spread of COVID-19 and healthcare workers and the state government for their efforts in implementing strategies, caring for the infected patients and reducing the spread of the virus.

Also speaking on the occasion, the Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, said the Lagos Isolation Centre was a model for what the coalition would build in other states.

Dangote, represented by Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director Aliko Dangote Foundation, said: “It is with great pride that we hand over the Yaba Isolation Centre to Lagos State. More supports will come to the state from the coalition and we appreciate everyone’s contribution towards our goal.”

In his remarks, the Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe said Lagos was more vulnerable to spread of the virus due to its large population and commended the state government for its efforts to reduce the spread and effect of the virus on the citizens.

To date, CACOVID has committed billions of naira to build 38 fully equipped isolation centers across Nigeria with over 5,000 beds and critical medical equipment needed to fight the pandemic, exemplifying sustainable value addition from a partnership that truly works.

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