Nigeria among nine African countries to benefit from program
Abuja, Nigeria; September 15, 2008 - Nigeria is among nine African countries that are set to benefit from General Electric's (GE) US$10 million worth of product, infrastructure and training plan to improve healthcare delivery services in Africa this year. Under this year's plan, GE has targeted a total of 81 facilities in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mali, and Senegal. The projects are at various stages of completion.
The program dubbed "Developing Health Globally" has targeted 10 health facilities in various parts of Nigeria, with work scheduled for completion later this year. The program is covering Amadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo referral hospitals, as well as Owo Federal, Erusu, Ikara, Ajowa, Pampaida, Saulawa, Gidigidi and Ikaram.
In Nigeria, the program is expected to boost medical services in selected facilities through provision of an inclusive solution covering donation of healthcare equipment, water provision, energy, communications and infrastructure development. GE will also equip health laboratories with essential products, and provide equipment for patient monitoring, mother-infant care, surgery and radiology.
In addition, the program will provide the health facilities with reliable communication and infrastructure by providing wireless communication equipment and its accessories, water purification and signaling systems, generators for provision of power and appliances including refrigerators and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) gadgets.
The program started in 2004 as a $2 million product donation investment in rural African communities, with the level of assistance graduating in 2005 to $4 million. In 2006, the level of assistance increased again to $6 million, through a cooperative partnership called "GE Millennium District Hospitals, designed to complete upgrade work in more than 30 hospitals and clinics in Africa.
"Last year we raised our level of investment to $8 million and have again raised it to $10 million this year, bringing the total investment in the program to a $30 million commitment across 11 countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia," said Nabil Habayeb, President & CEO of GE Middle East & Africa.
By 2007, 123 hospitals in Africa had been upgraded with 13 other projects initiated in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Rwanda and Senegal.
The 130-year-old company has been in Africa since 1898 and is focusing on its strongest link within the region - supplying various hi-tech infrastructure products, services and training.
Its key businesses in Africa include healthcare, energy, aviation, oil and gas, rail transportation, water technologies and commercial aviation services. The company is currently active in more than 35 countries in Africa with strategic alliances in major markets.
Notes to Editors:
GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. GE is Imagination at Work. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
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