By DOH JAMES SONKEY
The Foundation of the leading telecommunications sector in the country, MTN Cameroon last November 10, 2017 at the esplanade of the military Headquarter in Yaounde donated two medicalised ambulances to the Ministry of Defence and one to the Ministry of Public Health.
Speaking at the donation ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Cameroon and Administrator of MTN Foundation Board of Trustees, Philisiwe Sibiya justified that “MTN is an African company, born in South Africa against a backdrop of pain. It is clear to see that solidarity from our history is deeply rooted in our genes, it is part of our DNA.”
The MTN Cameroon boss explained that it is difficult for her company through its Foundation to remain indifferent to the worsening of humanitarian crisis in the Far North Region due to Boko Haram attacks and suicide bombings.
“In the face of distress of the population, MTN Cameroon has since the start of the crisis provided foodstuffs, drugs and didactic materials for people in need of immediate assistance. We have supported the organization of various free health campaigns to support and treat the affected populations of the Far North region suffering from poverty, climatic hazards and physical damages resulting from the fight against the terrorist sect.”Added the CEO of MTN Cameroon.
Speaking before Posts and Telecommunication Minister, Minette Libom Li Likeng handed the medicalized ambulances (Toyota land cruiser model with 4-wheel drive) to the two ministers, the CEO of MTN Cameroon, Philisiwe Sibiya expressed hope that their gesture helps to face urgent sanitary emergencies posed by the security threats. She equally expressed hope that the medicalized ambulances ease the deployment of medical staff in the affected areas and the transportation of the wounded given that MTN wishes to see human lives saved and preserved.
Saluting the gesture which he described as timely following the escalation of violence in the North West and South West regions, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo expressed gov’t gratitude to MTN Foundation and promised that as usual, the ambulances will be used for the health of both soldiers and civilians indiscriminately at the war front.
The ceremony was also attended by the Ministers of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda, Posts and Telecommunications, Libom Li Likeng Minette, South African High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E Zanele Makina, Secretaries of State to the Minister of Defence in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Jean Baptiste Bokam, to the Minister of Public Health in charge of Epidemics and Pandemics, Alim Hayatou, Army Generals, MTN Foundation senior officials etc.
Each of the three medicalized ambulances contains; self-loading stretcher with mounting set, mobile suction device, an oxygen system with regulator, flow meter, humidifier and mask, a complete first aid kit, dressing and protection materials, cervical collar and braves.