Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) is supporting International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) to strengthen the latter’s ongoing Covid-19 emergency response.
To this effect, both the sides recently signed a memorandum of understanding, the UBL said in a media statement on Sunday.
At a time when the entire world is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and international resources are channelled to global efforts to fight this pandemic, the ICDDR,B made an appeal to local community for support to its Covid-19 emergency response.
According to the agreement, the UBL will provide USD 52,000 cash support for personal protective equipment to the ICDDR,B’s clinical laboratory services, and establishment of a temporary patient care facility.
Additionally, it will provide its health and hygiene products, medical and lab equipment, and Covid-19 testing kit to the ICDDR,B.
The UBL already pledged BDT 200 million to help the nation in its fight against Covid-19.
The commitment includes measures such as product donations, creating awareness, improving health infrastructure, protecting its people and livelihoods.
As part of the commitment and desire to support the philanthropic initiatives of the ICDDR,B, the UBL came up with a mixed approach of cash and in kind support to the ICDDR,B.
The ICDDR,B has already been contributing to the plans and actions of the government in its Covid-19 response through providing free of charge testing support, disease surveillance, strengthening of laboratory capacity, and technical assistance among others.
It is also implementing the global best practices and safety protocols for its own care givers, researchers and staff for ensuring the continuity of its free of charge diarrhoeal disease treatment and other essential research activities even during the ongoing global pandemic.
Moreover, as part of the ICDDR,B’s commitment to solve public health challenges, it is also planning on interventions and epidemiological research related to Covid-19.
On the occasion, the ICDDR,B’s Executive Director Professor John D Clemens said, “While we brace for the impact of Covid-19, I would like to thank Unilever Bangladesh for their gracious support to us.
“It is our honour to serve the people of Bangladesh during this unparalleled time of need. Together, we will weather the storm.”
Kedar Lele, chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director of the UBL, said, “It is our responsibility to reach out to as many people as possible and help them in their fight against the virus.
“Considering the scale of the challenge and in order to address it at multiple levels, we are collaborating with the government, health institutions, implementation partners and civil society.”
He added, “We believes this is the beginning of a new partnership to save essential lives and will help ICDDR,B continue in their effort to reduce the Covid-19 pandemic impact.”
