MTN Foundation Supports Eseka Train Crash Victims

Representative of the Minister of Public Health receives medical consignment 

Yaoundé—MTN Foundation has handed over of a ‘significant amount’ of medication to the Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE) to assist in the care of victims of the Eseka train accident the killed over 60people and injured nearly 600 others.

A ceremony to that effect took place Saturday at the headquarters of the Emergency Operations Centre of the Ministry of Public Health in Yaounde as rescue operations continued at the derailment site some 120kilometers west of the capital of the Central African nation.

“There are over 500 people who need urgent medical attention. In face of such a situation, it is natural for us to show our solidarity,” said Melvin Akam, executive secretary of the MTN Foundation.

The executive secretary hoped the ‘modest contribution’ will reinforce the capacity of the teams catering for the wounded, and assist victims of this accident.

This medication received on behalf of the Public Health by Dr Georges Alain Etoundi Mballa, Director of Disease Control in the Ministry was destined for use by the emergency aid workers of that government department deployed to assist those injured during the tragic train derailment.

A statement from the MTN Foundation said it might provide additional support based on the evolution of the situation.

Rescue workers have remained at the scene of the derailment searching for more injured or dead bodies.

President Paul Biya who has ruled the country since 1982 has declared Monday October 24 a national day of mourning in memory of those who lost their lives in the crash.

By Ndi Eugene Ndi