NB Plc, other donate neonatal equipment to LUTH

Heineken Africa Foundation (HAF) in collaboration with Nigerian Breweries Plc (NB Plc) has commissioned an upgraded and newly equipped neo natal ward at the Lagos University Teaching hospital (LUTH) in support of health services at the hospital.
The project involved a physical and infrastructural upgrade of electrical installations to modern versions as well as a provision of piped oxygen and air to the neonatal unit complex. It also involved an upgrade of plumbing facilities to ensure availability of potable water in the unit.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Johan Doyer, speaking though the company’s Corporate Affairs Adviser, Kufre Ekanem, said it was part of the projects the company carry out in communities identified with health and water challenges.
Mr Doyer stated: “The Heineken Africa Foundation was established to support projects that improve healthcare and water supply for communities in Sub-Saharan Africa where access to basic healthcare and clean water poses a challenge.
“As we win with Nigeria, we want other sectors of the economy to win and have significant growth that would positively affect the lives of the people.”
Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Professor Chris Bode said the donation was phenomenal and comparable to none embarked upon by any corporate organisation in the country.
Professor Bode, speaking though Professor Olufemi Fasanmade stated “the donation would bring succour to our aged infrastructures in LUTH which will save over 400 new borns that come to us through referrals monthly,” he said.
President, Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine, NISONM, Professor Chinyere Ezeaka, said Nigeria has highest infant mortality rate in Africa and second highest infant mortality rate in the world, and as such the donation would go a long way in reversing this trend.
Since its inception in 2007, the Heineken Africa Foundation in collaboration with operating companies of Heineken in Africa has committed over €7.2 million to support over 83 projects focused on health and water across the African continent.
In Nigeria, the collaboration between the foundation and Nigerian Breweries has impacted Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), autism, accident and emergency care, among other medical specialties across Nigeria.