The Ecobank Group partners Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance, a Geneva-based global civil network dedicated to preventing NCDs all around the world to raise awareness on NCDs as it celebrates its annual Ecobank Day.
According to Ecobank, “our activities are leading up to World Diabetes Day on 14th November” and as such the Eight Annual Ecobank Day is themed ‘Take Action Against Diabetes’.
Also, Ecobanks commitment to preventing NCDs is why a three-year campaign ‘Together for Better Health’ started in 2019 to raise awareness to help prevent the incidence of NCDs across Africa.
“The annual highlight of the campaign is Ecobank Day, our pan- African initiative that takes place in the last quarter of each year, when Ecobank and its staff give back to their local communities”
Speaking on the subject at the Group’s annual event, Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ade Ayeyemi intimated that cases of diabetes and other Non-communicable diseases keep rising across Africa. Diabetes can be very delicate as it causes severe damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and if not attended to quickly may lead to untimely death.
“Approximately 60% of Africans with Diabetes are unaware that they have it and at Ecobank, we are determined to raise awareness about the disease and other NCDs, as well as the importance of healthy lifestyles in preventing these diseases. We are working closely with the NCD Alliance to ensure that our three-year campaign has maximum impact in helping to save African lives,” Ayeyemi mentioned.
Katie Dain, NCD Alliance CEO sharing her thoughts said “It is fantastic to see such leadership from a bank, in raising awareness of diabetes and other NCDs amongst its employees and communities”.
“Effectively addressing NCDs will require collaboration across all sectors, which is why we are very happy about our partnership with Ecobank. We look forward to drawing upon their expertise in financial management to train NCD civil society advocates across the African continent,” Katie added.
Planned activities to champion the cause of raising awareness about Diabetes include informational webinars and controlled screening in strict adherence to measures outlined by various governments to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Ecobank Day 2020 events are being held virtually in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, to ensure all safety protocols are observed and include a pan-African webinar in partnership with NCD Alliance to raise awareness about Diabetes and other NCDs, and how to address the extra challenges and stress people with Diabetes may be facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, a ‘Take Action Against Diabetes’ campaign will also be held on social media to assist and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours.
The Ecobank Group has announced a total contribution of about $100,000 from its affiliates across the continent.
The proceeds will go to the NCDA Solidarity Fund, which supports national and regional NCD alliances in addressing the critical needs of people living with NCDs during COVID-19
Ecobank Day is an annual event which commenced in 2013 and some of the past initiatives focused on support for orphanages, safe water management, maternal health and Malaria prevention.
