ETHIOPIAN Airlines on Tuesday arrived Nigeria with the nation’s share of laboratory kits and Medical supplies to combat the novel coronavirus.
The aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) about 3:2 pm.
The Ethiopian Airlines Freighter ET-AVN delivered the Medical Supplies From the Jack Ma Foundation stating it was pleased to deliver these much needed critical medical supplies and equipment which help in the global fight against the COVID-19.
A statement signed by Firihiewot Mekonnen, General Manager, Nigeria read,”We appreciate the donation of the Jack Ma Foundation and the generosity of Mr. Jack Ma. We admire our Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed for his initiative and organization of the entire coordination of the process.
“As an indigenous and pioneer Pan African airline, Ethiopian Airlines has stood together with Africans at all times for the last seven decades. Ethiopian has supported Africans in good and challenging times. In this unprecedented global pandemic, Ethiopian will continue its commitment for African people to help them fight and win this invisible enemy.
“Today, we are very happy to deliver these medical supplies to the Government and people of Nigeria Ethiopian Airlines has always Stood by Nigeria in times of Good and Bad. Since we started flying to Lagos we have not stopped our Flights even when Abuja Airport was closed we were the only international airline that flew to Kaduna. We are happy to associate with Nigeria and her people.”
Chinese tech titan and Alibaba founder Jack Ma donated medical equipment, including 1.5 million laboratory kits for the novel coronavirus, to member states of the African Union, according to a statement released on Monday.
The statement said the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the government of Ethiopia, the headquarters of the AU, would receive the consignment of diagnostic test kits and invention control goods.
The equipment includes 20 000 laboratory diagnostic test kits, 100 000 medical masks, and 1 000 protective suits and face shields.
While Italy, China and the United States have borne the harshest blows from the virus, it has gained momentum in South Africa and on the African continent.