Lilongwe, Malawi, 28 November 2014: The Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization on 28 November 2014 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airtel Malawi, a mobile phone operator to launch the Ebola Disease Virus hotlines. The Principal Secretaty, Mr Kandonje was the guest of honour who received the two mobile phones donated by Aitel Malawi for the hotlines. The WHO Representative Dr Eugen Nyarko, Principal Secretary and the Director of Airtel Malawi, Mr Heicko Schlittke signed the MOU in the presence journalists. The signing of the MOU cemented a one year agreement for the 510 and 520 hotline numbers whose aim is to provide current information on the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak using the WHO Frequently Asked Questions as a basis.

Speaking at the launch the Director of Airtel Malawi, Mr Schlittke said that Airtel was pleased to be one of the stakeholders to contribute to strengthening the EVD preparedness plan. “The two hotlines 510 and 520 and the two handsets we have provided will be used to provide important information on how Malawians can prevent Ebola so that Malawi continues to be an Ebola free nation,” he said.

Mr Kandoje in his speech thanked Airtel for the kind gesture of providing the hotlines and the two mobile phone handsets. Speaking to journalists who were present during launch he requested them to assist the Ministry of Health in publicizing the 510 and 520 hotline numbers to the general public so that prevention and control messages reach out to the people.