ADDIS ABABA – Resource mobilization to beat coronavirus is well underway. President Amb. Sahlework Zewde granted five million Birr saved from the annual budget of her office and her one month salary to the national endeavor to combat COVID-19.
The official facebook page of the President published yesterday that the people should stand together to fight against the current national problem, COVID-19. The office also called on all Ethiopians to participate in the fight against the pandemic either individually or via institutions.
The government has been mobilizing resources under its Resource Mobilization initiative to support the national effort to prevent the pandemic and subsidize the economy.
Many banks are also opening new accounts to facilitate donations. Accordingly the country has secured a total of more than 120 million Birr so far regardless of Real property.
On the other hand, the Addis Ababa city administration also has been collecting finances. Accordingly, it has secured more than 10 million Birr.
Various private owners, sport persons and artists among others are actively engaged in granting financial and material support. Therefore, artist Tewodros Kassahun, Hamelmal Abate, athlete Haile Gebreselassie, athlete Derartu Tulu has taken part in the resource mobilization activities to prevent COVID-19. Private owners have also offered buildings intended for quarantines.
The international cooperation is also on the way to stabilize Ethiopia’s and other African country’s economies expected to be harshly affected from the global pandemic.
Accordingly, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been facilitating cooperation between IGAD countries and the rest of the world. The office of the prime minister stated that it has noticed the importance of collective leadership in Eastern Africa as a means of withstanding the challenges is posing by COVID-19 on the countries’ health systems and their economies while the impact on tourism is already happened.
The cooperation between the nations relies on seeking support together, providing needed materials, and closely exchanging experiences.
In related stories, the office has also announced that it has requested the G20 countries to grant a 150 billion USD to African economies. The finance is expected to stimulate African economies from the estimated social and economic crisis induced by coronavirus.
The premier recently received various medical equipment supports from Jack Ma and Alibaba foundations on behalf of Ethiopian and Africa. The donation includes 1.1 million testing kits, six million masks and 60,000 protective suits and face shields to each of the 54 African countries. And the Ethiopian Airlines has distributed the equipments to the countries. Ethiopia also received medical equipment from China.
The government is working with all local stakeholders and foreign partners to mobilize resource and halt the spread of the virus and possible impacts, it was learnt.
The Ethiopian Herald March 31/2020
BY YOHANES JEMANEH
