News release: MTN DONATES 200 MILLION UGANDAN SHILLINGS TO MALARIA CONSORTIUM

20 March 2008
Kampala, Uganda - The MTN Foundation, MTN's CSR arm has partnered with the Malaria Consortium in the fight against Malaria. Malaria Consortium is a non-profit organization that works to combat malaria and other communicable diseases among the poorest and most vulnerable people in Africa and Asia.

During a media briefing at the NGO's offices in Kololo, Kampala, MTN Foundation Chairman George Egaddu handed over a dummy cheque worth UGX.200M as support for the various malaria projects run by the NGO. Mr. Egaddu also emphasized the Foundation's commitment to the drive against malaria in Uganda.

"Regardless of the numerous relentless efforts displayed by organizations like the Malaria Consortium, this killer disease has marred the continent for more than a century. It is therefore upon us responsible corporate citizens to step in and lend a hand to this worthwhile cause.

"This partnership will not only contribute to a future malaria-free society but will also bring us a step closer to achieving the millennium development goals." He added.

While highlighting the steps taken by the Consortium in the fight against Malaria, the Malaria Prevention Specialist for Malaria Consortium Africa, Dr Kate Kolaczinski hinted on the uphill task that still lies ahead.

"It is estimated that malaria causes up to 3 million deaths per year; a child dies every 30 seconds from this disease."

"However, Uganda is making progress. The proportion of households with at least one net has almost tripled between 2000 and 2006, increasing from 13% to 34% and mechanisms are put in place to allow a rapid increase of net distribution in the future. In addition, home based delivery of anti-malaria medicine to children under 5 years has been rolled-out nation wide with a move now underway to have the most effective medicines, the ACTs, available at community level"  she confirmed.

In the same breath, Dr Kolaczinski commented that in the next two to five years measurable impact can be achieved. She divulged that the Ministry of Health and partners are planning continued large scale distribution of free insecticide treated nets as well as making ready for a wider application of indoor residual spraying.

Launched in November 2007, this is the MTN Foundation's first venture in 2008 as MTN marks 10 years of positive presence in people's lives. Last year, the Foundation donated UGX. 200 million towards the Uganda Red Cross relief efforts in the flood stricken areas.

The MTN Foundation has interventions in six programme areas which include education (science & technology), Health & HIV Aids, Music, Arts & Culture Environment, Community Development and Habitat for Humanity.

Ends

ABOUT THE MTN GROUP

  Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 21 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN". As at 31 March 2007, MTN recorded 44 301 000 million subscribers across its operations, including those of Investcom LLC which MTN acquired in 2006 and MTN Irancell, which launched commercial operations in the Islamic Republic of Iran on 21 October 2006. The MTN Group operates in Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda and Zambia. The acquisition of Investcom adds the following countries of operation to MTN's portfolio - Afghanistan, Benin, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Liberia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The MTN Group is a global sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM and has exclusive mobile content rights for Africa and the Middle East. Visit http://www.mtn.com/.

Kindly address any queries to Sheila Kangwagye on 0772212659 or Caroline Wanza on 0772-225551