The Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) has reaffirmed its commitment towards the fight against Covid-19 in the country by donating 5 ventilators to the Ministry of Health worth K2.9 million.
Speaking during the daily Covid-19 updates, Bank Chief Human Resource and Training Officer Mumbi Mwila said when Zambia recorded its first Covid-19 cases, the financial institution made a commitment to support efforts in fighting the pandemic.
Ms. Mwila stated that the initial commitment of K1.5 million went towards the enhancement of sensitizations regarding best hygiene practices and the distribution of hand wash basins in public places such as markets and bus stations.
She added that as an investee company of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the bank’s contribution towards the fight against the pandemic is K4.5 million to date.
“When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in the country, we made a commitment to support efforts in fighting the pandemic. Our initial commitment of K1.5 million went towards the enhancement of the communication of awareness messages on best hygiene practices, and the distribution of hand wash basins in various markets and bus stops in different areas of the country.”
“Today, as an investee company of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), we are here to reaffirm our support by donating five ventilators valued at K2.9 million. Our contribution towards the fight against the pandemic to date is K4.5 million,” Ms. Mwila said.
Ms. Mwila further said it is the bank’s hope that the donated ventilators will help in ensuring availability of ventilators for patients that need the support, following the increase in the number of patients that require oxygen support.
“We are aware of the rising number of cases in the country and in particular, the recent number of cases that have required patients to be on oxygen support. It is therefore our hope that these ventilators will go a long way in helping cushion the burden in ensuring availability of ventilators for patients that need the support.”
“The fight against this pandemic requires collaborative efforts, not just from the point of providing material support, but also in ensuring that we all mask up and we observe social distance and we stay safe,” she added.
And Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dr. Kennedy Malama expressed gratitude to the bank for the gesture.
“Let me start by appreciating Zanaco and IDC in general for the support. You have been there from inception and it’s good to note that you continue monitoring the evolution of the pandemic in Zambia. When you hear that ventilators will make a difference for those who need them, you join the response and contribute.”
“So today we receive 5 ventilators worth K2.9 million and we assure you these will immediately go to the frontline so that they can be used where they are needed most,” Dr. Malama stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Malama disclosed that Zambia has recorded 91 new Covid-19 cases from 599 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, while 57 patients are currently admitted to Levy Mwanawasa Hospital, 37 of who are on oxygen, while 6 are in the Intensive Care U and 1 on a ventilator.
He said the cumulative number of cases now stands at 11,376, with 282 deaths and 10, 693 recoveries, adding that the country did not record any Covid-19 fatalities in the last 24 hours.
“From the 91 cases we are reporting today, 34 are contacts to known cases in Lusaka 31, Ndola 2 and Kitwe 1. 30 individuals were identified through hospital screening in Lusaka 20 and Ndola 10. 27 individuals were identified through routine screening in Lusaka 25 and Ndola 2.

Further, Dr. Malama urged traders in various parts of the country, bus conductors, and all those involved in various socio-economic activities at community level including hair dressers to take responsibility and prevent the spread of Covid-19 in communities.
“I further make a call to all of you to participate actively in this fight. We hear reports, feedback that people have not seen anyone suffering from Covid, people have not seen anyone die from Covid therefore it’s not serious. We urge you to introspect and get our word of advice that indeed there are Zambians who have lost their lives to Covid-19, there are Zambians who are admitted even as we are speaking suffering from Covid-19.”
“So this Covid-19 is real. Even if you have not seen someone with it, or someone who has lost a loved one from Covid-19, take personal and collective responsibility and prevent further infections and deaths in our country,” he emphasized