Annick Schwebig, Chairwoman of the ESSEC Board: "United against the virus in Africa!"

ESSEC Alumni is supporting the Oxygen for Africa campaign led by the NGO Alima to help the African continent face COVID-19. It shares the message from Annick Schwebig, Chairwoman of the ESSEC Board, who encourages you to make a donation. 

“Founded in 2009, within ten years the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) became one of the principal medical and humanitarian actors in the management of infectious disease epidemics, including viral haemorrhagic fevers such as the Ebola virus and Lassa fever. The NGO has been able to prove the effectiveness of its model which combines partnership and innovation: more than 5 million patients treated, 29 research projects carried out which resulted in effective treatments for Ebola, an annual budget of 60 million euros and 2,000 employees, 98% of whom are from the African continent.

Facing the current COVID-19 pandemic, since the beginning of January, Alima has been involved in various international scientific discussions with the WHO, and its expertise was even recommended by the Scientific Council to President Macron in its advisory opinion of 23 March.

Today, I would like to draw your attention to the urgency and collective responsibility we have to take action with the most vulnerable countries, specifically in Africa. Please donate and read the joint interview with Alima’s Executive Director, Augustin Augier (ESCP 2002), the Chairman of Alima UK, Stéphane Epin (ESSEC 2002), and Alima’s former CFO and current Director, Mathieu Dufour (EDHEC 2007). I have no doubt that in ESSEC’s humanist tradition, you will hear the value of their message. Take care of yourselves, but we must also remember, when we can, to take care of others."

Dr Annick Schwebig
Chairwoman of the ESSEC Board

I’d like to donate

About Alima

Founded in 2009, Alima’s aim is to transform humanitarian medicine through innovation and research. Its model is unique. By combining humanitarian action, research and local partnerships, Alima offers the most efficient model in current humanitarian medicine: we provide better treatment, at minimal cost, while creating innovation and strengthening local capacities. This way, Alima ensures that its investment will have the greatest human impact possible. Alima currently works in 12 African countries treating over 4,000 people every day. 

Faced with the high risk of COVID-19 spreading in Africa, Alima launched the fundraising campaign Oxygen for Africa to finance the purchase of 800 oxygen concentrators to treat serious cases of COVID-19 in the different countries where it works. You can support their action, which is more necessary than ever to respond to the health crisis, by donating here. 

Interview by François de Guillebon, Chief Editor at ESSEC Alumni.

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Image : © John Wessels