“….getting a Covid-19 vaccine offers the promise of an end to isolation and the opening of business and commerce.”

Ngoni Dapira

ZIMBABWE’s leading financial services provider Old Mutual last week Friday donated an assortment of personal protective equipment (PPE) to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital (formerly Mutare Provincial Hospital), which will be used by frontline health workers in the ongoing fight against Covid-19.

Official handover photo of the donated PPE and food hampers to Victoria Chitepo Hospital.

The PPE donation was made to three other main referral hospitals in the country, namely Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare, Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo and Kwekwe Provincial Hospital. Each hospital received 500 waterproof gowns, 500 face masks boxes, 500 face shields,  500 plastic aprons, 500 latex gloves boxes and 500 Hazmut blue lined suits.

In addition to the PPE, the financial services giant also gave out grocery hampers to the health workers, which comprise of all the basic foodstuff for a household. The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Nokhuthula Matsikenyeri received the goods and thanked Old Mutual for the noble contribution during harsh economic times for everyone, including the business community.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Nokhuthula Matsikenyeri (right) receiving the grocery hampers on behalf of the hospital.

Speaking on behalf of Old Mutual Zimbabwe Group chief executive officer, Sam Matsekete, the CABS Manicaland regional manager Aurthur Nyazika said the donation is a key facet of Old Mutual’s business ethics which focus on addressing the concerns of the wider community and making charitable donations in critical areas of need.

“No words can express our appreciation and recognition of the diligent and hard work that the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care have been putting towards mitigating the harsh effects of the Covid-19 pandemic throughout the country.”

Adding, “As Old Mutual we acknowledge this great effort, and we would like to support government’s efforts by donating personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used by frontline workers at Hospitals in hotspots across the country,” he said.

HAPPY FACES…Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital staff packing the donated grocery hampers.

Matsekete saluted the health workers for their hard work and commitment in the fight against Covid-19.

“Please continue the fight with the knowledge that Old Mutual will continue to support you and wishes you all success in the fight against the pandemic. As a responsible corporate citizen, we will continue to invest in communities in which we operate to foster social development and economic progress. To achieve this, the health of our communities is critical hence this donation to health workers. They are not alone in this fight. We are in it together Sisonke – Tiri Tose,” said the Old Mutual Group Ceo.

Matsekete added that Old Mutual is extending its thrust to complement government efforts towards raising awareness among communities through its Behavioural Change and Vaccination campaigns launched in June.

“As Old Mutual we are embracing the drive to get vaccinated and we believe “getting a Covid-19 vaccine offers the promise of an end to isolation and the opening of business and commerce”. As vaccination rates go up, we expect Covid-19 deaths go down. This is only possible if the majority of Zimbabweans receive the jab,” he said.

Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital staff with some of the donated goods.

Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital superintendent Dr Dorcas Mutede could not hide her joy and thanked Old Mutual for remembering health workers as frontline workers at high risk everyday. In her closing remarks Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital matron Beulah Gudyanga said the safety of healthcare workers should be prioritised.

“Today alone we had 31 Covid-19 patients admitted and they need our care. With adequate PPE our health workers can confidently execute their duties. We really appreciate this donation. The food hampers will also be morale boosters to health workers as we all know that times are hard. Being thought of and appreciated always raises morale and we thank Old Mutual for this timely donation,” said matron Gudyanga.