In line with its corporate strategy of giving back, Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN) Limited has secured the first batch of 5,000 COVID-19 test kits from the South Korea Government to help Nigeria tackle and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world.
The Republic of Korea has become a global model for tackling the dreaded virus, having received requests for the test kits from many countries of the world.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) specially identified South Korea for special commendation for its innovative approach in tackling the virus.
WHO’s Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reportedly praised South Korea’s response to the novel virus.
In one of the global health body’s update on the dreaded virus, Ghebreyesus noted that in January/February 2020, South Korea was faced with surging community transmission, but the country refused to “surrender.”
Ghebreyesus reportedly argued that with the country’s innovative response, infections had been declining in the country due to its efforts to educate, empower and engage communities.
He pointed out how South Korea developed innovative testing strategies, rationed the use of masks, conducted exhaustive contact tracing and testing and isolated suspected cases.
It is therefore heart-warming that the intervention of SHIN in the area of donation of test kits will help Nigeria to benefit from the Korean experience in tackling the virus.
Despite the high demand for the kits from different countries of the world, and the difficulty in securing and rationing them, SHIN was able to secure 5,000 kits for the Nigeria and will monitor the progress of the pandemic in Nigeria for further donation.
Speaking on the donation, SHIN said it felt it was part of its responsibility to help the Nigeria tackle and mitigate the impact of the global pandemic.
The company said it is making the donation because of its care and love for Nigerians.
The donation of the COVID-19 test kits did not come as a surprise as SHIN has consistently given back to Nigerians over the years as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria reiterated its full commitment to Nigeria not only in their Shipbuilding and yard fabrication competences, but also on the human level bringing vital aids to ensure Nigeria has the best materials to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.