Sanitising to save lives

The role of the private sector in the response to COVID-19 has been critical, given that no one was prepared for the crisis and that it hit the most vulnerable the hardest. Partnerships with those at the frontlines helped to ensure that much-needed supplies, food parcels and protective gear was on hand to support communities.  

In Kenya, Rotary provides a lifeline to communities that have almost no access to vital items. At the onset of the pandemic, the role of the organisation was even more vital, given restrictions on businesses and individuals.  

In these vulnerable communities, water is scarce. This is problematic since regular hand washing is a key preventative measure in the fight against COVID-19. Stanbic Bank stepped in to assist with its DADA platform1, and partnered with the Rotary District 9212 to provide 750 sanitation stations across the country.  

These hand-washing units, which are worth 3m Kenyan shillings, have contributed towards slowing the spread of the virus, having improved sanitation for an estimated 400,000 people per day during the campaign’s peak. 

Patrick Obath, Governor of the Rotary District 9212, said: “Unprecedented times like this require such partnerships and the mobilisation of resources to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, while enhancing public health systems. We must ensure that we have all hands on deck to succeed.” 

“Governments, the private sector and individuals could not have been ready for the challenges posed by COVID-19. But in coming together with a single purpose and determination, we have been able to prevent possible infections, which in the long run contributes towards a better quality of life for the millions we reached,” said Dr. Joe Kamau, Chairman of the Rotary COVID-19 Emergency Initiative in District 9212. 

In August, Stanbic Bank also partnered with the Rotary Club of Nairobi-Langata to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants to seven maternal and child healthcare facilities in Nairobi's informal urban settlements, to protect frontline workers including nurses and midwives, as well as patients.  

Rotary and Population Services Kenya, which have worked closely together through the crisis, distributed the kits to clinics that serve high numbers of mothers and children. The kits comprise of face masks, face shields, gloves, and gowns.  

Sarah Migwi, President of the Rotary Club of Nairobi-Langata, said at the time there was a need to protect healthcare workers in local clinics that care for mothers and children. “With the fight against the spread of COVID-19 raging on, we noticed that clinics that catered to women and children were being left out in receiving much-needed PPE.” 

Rotary has played a major role in Kenya’s relief efforts, having partnered with a range of businesses and industry groups, as well as the likes of the Kenya Red Cross. The organisation has distributed hand sanitiser, PPE, food parcels and other critical goods and services to those in need.