Jumia Heightens The Fight Against COVID-19 In Kenya, Donates Masks To Community Health Workers

Jumia has stepped up the fight against coronavirus by donating masks to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Kenya in support of community health workers, who are on the front line responding to suspected and confirmed cases of #COVID19.

The donations, 100,000 masks, were received by AMREF Health Africa and Red Cross, which serve under the National Response Committee. Jumia further offered the support of its integrated logistics network to support the distribution of essential food and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE equipment, as part of the SafeHands Coalition).

“Front line workers all across the country are protecting us and leading the fight against COVID-19. These heroes deserve our full support – and it is with this aim that we are making a small contribution to the fight. E-commerce platforms like Jumia, with cashless payments and contactless delivery capabilities, are uniquely positioned to be part of Kenya’s response strategy to this pandemic. And stand ready to serve”, said Sam Chappatee, Jumia Kenya CEO.

According to the National Response Committee, the masks will further the efforts against the spread of the virus in the country.

“The face masks will be distributed to the health workers, who are on the front line responding to suspected and confirmed cases of #COVID19,” said Dr. Githinji Gitahi, the Group CEO of Amref Health Africa.

Jumia’s actions to support the government in its fight against COVID-19 include:

●       Facilitation of social distancing by enabling consumers to buy online. By offering contactless and cashless delivery options, we eliminate physical contact and potentially reduce person to person infection.

●       Providing access to affordable basic foods and sanitary essentials on their platform. By partnering with thousands of vendors, we are able to control prices & hoarding behaviour.

●       Offering Jumia’s logistics networks to help distribute test kits, health pamphlets & key products to where they are needed (countrywide).

●       Leveraging our team in China to source critical PPE equipment quickly & at affordable prices. So far we have sourced millions of masks & PPE for governments & private healthcare providers in Kenya & across Africa