Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba has offered his hospital in Ivory Coast to be used as a coronavirus treatment centre, as the country prepare for a huge jump in cases.
The hospital - that is based in the city of Abidjan - opened in 2016 and is named after former Ivory Coast footballer Laurent Pokou, who passed away in the same year it opened. The current outbreak of COVID-19 has remained manageable across Africa, however, there are fears the deadly virus is about to spread much more rapidly.
Drogba has been recognised for his 'patriotic gesture' from Vincent Toh Bi Irie, the head of Abidjan's regional council, who said the hospital will help them fight the disease.
'We thank Drogba for this gift considered as an act of patriotism,' Toh Bi said.
The first case of coronavirus was recorded in the country on March 11 and since there have been 574 people diagnosed with the virus and five have died.
Across the entire continent, the health care systems are not as strong as the ones in the UK or USA and Simon Antara, of the African Field Epidemiology Network, explained: 'We are preparing for disaster.'
Therefore, many believe African countries are still in grave danger of becoming the most effected in the world with isolation and quarantine predicted to not have the same impact on 'flattening the curve' of the virus.
The Ivorian's hospital is part of the Didier Drogba Foundation, that was set up by the former Chelsea striker to provide financial and material support in both health and education to people across Africa.
Drogba scored 65 goals for Ivory Coast in 105 appearances for his country.
Topbeilmuz
2
legend! on and off the pitch..
tohdklpt
0
thanks you papa
Cenbkmprsy
1
Thanks 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Datdeklopy
1
If other African sportsmen will huge cash were doing like Drogba there would have been progress in Africa. perhaps the government's would feel ashame and want to compete
jupaelopt
1
thank Drogba may God continue to bless you and your family
Cikceikrtu
0
Africa will keep on fighting and praying till the disease will be banned 4 life.
KingJerryTheGreat
1
Nicee bro. So calm and good of rich people thinking about other's conditions. That just makes my heart glow and happier.....
Keoailmuyz
0
My best for life
paucdeim
0
thank our father.
yotadirtu
0
how good was drogba
jiualmoty
0
this is what we need in the world of us
Nesaiknruy_Legend
1
Didier is a legend on and off the pitch. Not much more needs to be said since he does all his charity work lowkey if it was made public the amount of respect he would get would be through the roof...
kucabcyz
1
thank you very much Didier Drogba God blesse you
Keobcdrt
1
Thanks very much Didier Drogba for your resilient efforts in setting the record straight for the people of Ivory coast and Africa at large
Cibblnpryz
0
thanks our legend God should keep blessing us
Naneoprt
1
ALLAH bless u
Veycdmnsty
1
God bless you more
mzeereal
1
Legend.. Keep the good work going
foedensu
0
God bless you more
lidbelmnz
0
more blessing d legend
joscpru
1
may God add more from where you took!
Tediklmnrs
1
well done bro prayers up for u
Wukadkmy
1
God bless you Didier Drogba
yoddert
1
May Allah reward you for this kind gesture
stanleyaluka
0
One Africa one love❤️✌️
Zehacklmnt
0
I love ur calmed gesture my legend thank you very much the Almighty God will multiply your wealth.
Moubk
0
Drogba God Almighty will multiply His grace upon your life. thanks so much Chelsea legend keep on up Chelsea. blue for live
Zohbcklnos
1
am praying for you every day drogba
Pudadkoz
1
ALexKingWaweru
1
a LEGEND will always be a legend...THANK U DROGBA FOR THE GOOD HEART...
Wabailmoru
0
Wabailmoru
3
gracereo4u
1
Chelsea players are always known for their good heart
Seaabknrt
1
God bless u Drogba at least many will lean from u , Good 1 bro
Lewadps
0
well done Legend , u wl b forever in my heart
roydiklnt
0
More blessings to you Drogba for the hands of a giver is always at the top in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Keep the flag flying.
Wawabirstu
2
A legend keeps on doing legendary things.Amazing display Didier Drogba,you're a hero to your people.May GOD bless you.
kinmoprt
0
May God bless
hekekmu
1
God bless you the legend.you have a good heart and may God answer your prayers.how i wish our Nigerian heroes will do same
boacdmru
0
thanks for such a great offer
Sipcdimr
0
the legend
obaidblsh
0
One of my favorite player in Chelsea's history
Yenbeilsu
1
May Jah bless u much more Didier Drogba
Yenbeilsu
0
May Almighty Allah bless u much more
Beeceklmps
1
God bless you Drogba
__arkopaul__
2
bcoz that's what heroes do
Simeinost
0
Musa♡tunkara
0
Legend of soccer
Momodusallieujawara
1
legendary thing
yoeamotuy
0
good