Liquid Telecom Zambia will be the providers of internet services to the Ministry of Health during the fight of Covid-19 at all the quarantine centers, following a donation made by newly appointed CEO Mark Townsend.
The private sector in recent weeks has made tremendous strides in collaborating with Dr. Chitalu Chilufya’s fight against COVID-19. The Minister of Health acknowledged that the Government was grateful for the corporate responsibility that commerce had shown during these difficult times.
Whilst a number of players in the telecommunications sector had opted to sign sizable endowments, Mark and his team have opted for a personal gesture that underscores the company’s strategic focus area. Liquid Telecom believes that “at the very core of our business is our belief that every individual on the continent has the right to be connected”. Whilst those quarantined in the various centers are away from loved ones, they will be able to communicate using Liquids’ network via video conferencing and social media tools.
“I want to take this opportunity to commend the Ministry of Health and Government for this fight against an invisible enemy and we are here to support this fight against Covid-19”, said Mark Townsend at the handover ceremony in Lusaka. “As Liquid Telecom we spare a thought for the patients and health care workers in the quarantine facilities, they might be feeling isolated, they might be feeling lonely, therefore our pledge today is to provide complimentary internet access to all quarantine centers for use of patients and health care workers to ensure they can communicate with their families, they can keep in touch with their friends and maybe we can bring a little bit of joy for the people living in the quarantine centers”.
Mark’s statement is consistent with the ideals of Liquid Telecom which has put people first as the core belief of the Liquid brand. The gesture by Liquid Telecom is a clear signal to the market that they are not going to sit idle and let the Health Ministry fight alone but will provide part of the infrastructure that will enable seamless communication through their expansive digital network that will enable the patients, as well as the medical personnel in the frontline, be able to communicate with peers and loved ones during this difficult time.
In these unprecedented times, the Ministry of Health’s ability to access affordable communications services is more important than ever. With Covid-19 making all of mankind reassess our we interact during difficult times, a technology solution that brings families, workmates, and peers alike is welcome. Thanks to Liquid Telecom, their gesture will enable the ministry to perform their important duties even better.