Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Share Company (EPHARM) announced that it has started large-scale production of hand sanitizers and face masks to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Ethiopia. EPHARM made the announcement at an event held to launch the production effort.
Mohammed Nuri, EPHARM's Board Chairman, said the company has been "playing a pivotal role" in the fight against the pandemic in Ethiopia, vis-a-vis providing various medical supplies, including hand sanitizer, which it began producing since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.
EPHARM is now producing up to 10,000 liters of hand sanitizer per day, the Board Chairman noted. In addition to this, it is producing 100,000 face masks a day with newly imported machinery. The products are proven to meet the international quality standard, Mr. Mohammed went on to point out.
The local production of hand sanitizer and face masks will help Ethiopia save much needed foreign currency, the Board Chairman highlighted, saying EPHARM "will further continue efforts to produce other medical supplies vital to prevent the pandemic.”
State Minister of Health, Dr. Dejene Digumma on his part said producing sanitizer and Face-masks locally is very crucial as it helps to fill the existing supply gaps of protecting materials in the fight against COVID-19.
Dr. Dejene Duguma, Ethiopia's State Minister of Health, on the occasion, reaffirmed the commitment of the Ethiopian government to help the company in its effort to help combat COVID-19.
Misganu Arega (Ambassador), State Minister of Trade and Industry, for his part, expressed his appreciation for EPHARM for carrying out what he referred to as their "social responsibility". Encouraging the company to fully utilize its capacity, he further alluded to the company's dream of becoming one of the three major pharmaceutical manufacturers in Africa.
The company has donated 100,000 face masks to health professionals.
Source: ENA
Image Source: EPHARM (Twitter)
