Seven new countries around S the world have reported cases of the CoronaVirus Disease. These include three (3) countries in the Africa, one (1) country in the Mediterranean region, one (1) in Europe and two (2) in the region of the Americas. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, it took three months to reach one hundred thousand (100,000) cases. It however took only 12 days for another one hundred thousand cases to be confirmed.
In the wake of the fast spread of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in many countries around the world and its confirmation in Nigeria, it has become necessary now more than ever for Nigerians to become more alert to the situation. The Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have as at Thursday March 26 confirmed 65 cases in total which includes 61 active cases and 3 discharged cases. Nigeria has also recorded 1 death resulting from Corona Virus Disease.
As the number of COVID 19 cases in Nigeria escalates, we strongly believe that overcoming this situation will require collaborative efforts at both individual and corporate levels – spearheaded by key leaders in the society to defeat this outbreak. As a responsible member of the society, AXA is extremely responsive to the situation and we will continue to lend our voice by sensitizing the public through the media even as we also throw our weight strongly behind the Government in the fight against the epidemic”.
In addition to this, AXA Mansard Health Limited has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Lagos State Government, University Medicine and the University College Hospital, Ibadan and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja to aid in their fight against the COVID-19 Outbreak. PPE donated include Splash resistant suits/coveralls, N95 Masks, Goggles, etc. AXA Mansard Insurance Plc. will also be donating N100 million’s worth of life insurance cover for 100 medical professionals across Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan.
AXA Mansard salutes the sacrifices and professionalism of our courageous medical care services personnel, who are putting themselves on the line by caring for the infected people and helping curb the spread of this virus. We share the view that the world needs to come together to provide a stronger support for these men and women who have chosen to risk their lives to serve their countries. Through this donation and commitment, AXA Mansard has meaningfully responded to the rising need for medical supplies at healthcare facilities in Nigeria ensuring swift responses are given to COVID-19 or any other health related cases.
In the meantime, we should all continue to follow the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommended precautions such as:
· Keep a safe distance between yourself and others
· If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
· Remain indoors
· Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
· Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
At AXA, the health and safety of all our stakeholders is of utmost importance to us. To this end, AXA activated its Business Continuity Plan on Tuesday March 24, 2020. This involves scaling down staff presence at our physical locations and opting for remote working options. However, please rest assured.
