The Ashanti regional health directorate’s fight against the deadly coronavirus has received a major boost.

Mining equipment and technology services provider, Sandvik Mining and Construction (Ghana) Limited has donated personal protective equipment to the directorate.

The ¢150,000 equipment is to augment government supplies and help the region with the second-largest number of infections, deal with the virus.

The Human Resources Manager of Sandvik Mining Ghana, Samuel Brewu, said the donation was in sync with the company’s history of supporting communities where it operates.

“It is obvious that government alone cannot provide for the needs of our front-liners; no government anywhere in the world has been able to do so. This is what has necessitated the contribution we just made.”

The items donated included 20,000 pieces of nose masks, 4,300 bottles of hand sanitisers (500ml) and 10,000 pairs of gloves.

Mr Brewu said even though the business environment had been hit badly, “we recognize that if we don’t join the fight against this virus, we may not have a business to return to when all of this is over.”

The Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr Emmanuel Tenkorang, received the items.

He said as the case count in the region in particular and the country generally keeps increasing, the need for protective equipment has become even more urgent.

Dr Tenkorang expressed delight that corporate institutions such as Sandvik Mining had found it necessary to help in the fight against the virus.

Like Oliver Twist, he said more support was needed from corporate organisations and individuals as health professionals brave the odds to face a virus that has paralysed the world for months.