Independent Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre Constituency David Bisnowaty has joined the fight against Ebola by donating protective equipment to all airports and border posts.
Bisnowaty’s donation, which includes infrared thermometers, hooded protective gear, long sleeve overalls, mouth masks and goggles, comes at a time government says it is looking for K280 million (US$679 612) to fight against the pandemic which has already claimed over 1, 000 lives in West Africa.
Speaking at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre on Friday after donating the equipment, Bisnowaty said he decided to support government’s efforts on the disease.
“I believe that you do not have to wait for other people to do something. This is the mentality in Malawi, but every citizen has to take the initiative [to play a part in the fight against the disease],” he said.
According to Bisnowaty, there is high demand for protective equipment across the continent.
“I am happy that government has put much effort in the fight against the pandemic and I can assure all Malawians that with the equipment I have donated, we are safe. The challenge is that our borders are porous as one can cross into Malawi without use of official borders. This calls for citizen’s responsibility to ensure that they report to authorities when they suspect a new face in their community,” he said.
Blantyre district health officer Dr. Owen Malema thanked the MP for the donation and assured him that it will be put to maximum use.
Similar equipment has been donated to Kamuzu International Airport and the border posts of Mwanza, Songwe, Mchinji, Biriwiri and Dedza.
Marketing director of Galaxy Pharmaceuticals & Surgical Limited, Tarang Makhecha also donated gloves.
