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Ecobank Group makes contribution to NCDA's Civil Society Solidarity Fund in the response to COVID-19

11th November 2020

The Ecobank Group has announced a total contribution of 100,000 USD from its affiliates across the continent. The proceeds will go to NCDA's Civil Society Solidarity Fund which supports national and regional NCD alliances in addressing the critical needs of people living with NCDs during COVID-19. 

In July 2020, the NCD Alliance launched the first Civil Society Solidarity Fund on NCDs and COVID-19, to support 20 national and regional NCD alliances in Africa, Asia, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, and Latin America to accelerate the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The fund totaled $300,000 and was competitively awarded via grants of $15,000 to seletected alliances. 

On 11th November, NCD Alliance held a virtual webinar on 'Inspire change, Act on NCDs in the COVID-19 era' with co-host, Ecobank. The event celebrated the organisation's eight annual Ecobank Day; an opportunity to show committment and give back to their local communities across 33 Africa countries with the theme of 'Take Action Against Diabetes'.

Following our virtual dialogue, Ecobank announced that it will contribute $100,000 USD to NCDA's Civil Society Solidarity Fund for alliances in Africa. 

"Diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases are on the rise across Africa. Diabetes causes serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves and if not addressed quickly, 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" said Ade Ayeyemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group in a press release

Following this announcement, Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance 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."

The full press release from Ecobank Group can be found here. A full recording of our virtual event is also available.