Airtel Zambia has donated routers that will be set up in Tuberculosis Diagnostic Centres in the country to enhance screening and testing for the disease by strengthening data management and patient monitoring.
The routers were handed over to the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) through the USAID Tuberculosis Local Organization Network (TBLON) project to support 53 diagnostic centers in nine districts in Lusaka and Southern provinces.
The routers will support GeneXpert connectivity and improved utilization of e-platforms and will support improved participation in virtual activities.
Despite a substantial decline in national TB incidence of Tuberculosis over the past 10 years, Zambia has one of the highest incidences of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa and is ranked among the top 30 high TB burden countries in the World, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Speaking during the handover, Airtel Zambia’s Managing Director Apoorva Mehrotra said there is need for more effort to support and advance digital healthcare solutions for the betterment of the communities.
Mehrotra said Airtel is pleased to support the fight against Tuberculosis, by partnering with CIDRZ and the TB Local Organisations Network to ensure that every case in the country is diagnosed and treated early.
And upon receiving the routers, CIDRZ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Izukanji Sikazwe thanked Airtel Zambia for the donation, “on behalf of the recipient health facilities and the clients they serve, we are deeply appreciative of this generous donation. Our team will ensure that routers are put to good use and further advances towards the national goal of ending Tuberculosis (TB) by the year 2030”.
Dr. Sikazwe added that the routers would bring about efficiency in the diagnostic process of TB testing and monitoring of patients to improve patient linkage to treatment.
“As Zambia strives to End TB by 2030, the role of the private sector cannot be overlooked or ignored. You play a pivotal role in getting innovative solutions available to the broader public and we are extremely delighted to have Airtel Zambia on board as a partner to the USAID TBLON project and we look forward to seeing the impact of this donation.” Dr. Sikazwe said.
This is according to information made available to the Zambian Business Times-ZBT, by Head of Corporate Communications Yuyo Nachali-Kambikambi.
