Africell has donated 12 million dalasi to frontline health workers in The Gambia fighting the coronavirus pandemic. 

The telecommunications company made the donation on Tuesday to Vice President Dr Isatou Touray at State House. 

Alieu Badara Mbye, CEO of Africell Gambia, said: “Our donation to Gambia’s heroic frontline health workers is a token of our admiration and gratitude for the risks they take and the hard work they put into keeping the rest of us safe.”

The funds will be paid directly to health workers in the next three months through Afrimoney. 

In a press statement on Wednesday Africell said: “The payments will supplement the normal wages of these frontline workers, giving them the financial security needed to support themselves and their families at a time of significantly increased risk.

“Frontline health workers eligible for payments include: doctors, nurses, technical staff, administration and support staff, drivers, janitors, security and other public health workers on the frontline.

“The scheme covers staff working in the following hospitals: Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and the COVID-19 Sanatorium, Serrekunda Hospital, Bundung Hospital, Bwiam Hospital, Farafenni Hospital and Bansang Hospital.

“All eligible doctors will receive D2,000 per month while nurses and all other frontline staff will receive D1,000 per month. The scheme is currently scheduled to last for three months.”