Covid-19 has brought together many stakeholders to collaborate against the effects of the pandemic. One such collaboration is the one between the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Welsh Government. A partnership that is worth N$166 900 000, thus far.
This monetary value sums up the worth of the medical and clinical equipment donated by the Welsh Government to Namibia since the dawn of the pandemic. The clinical supplies were delivered and distributed in parts to address the shortage during each wave of the pandemic.
A share of this donation was recently accepted and handed over by the Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia, Honourable Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in her capacity as the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation alongside the British High Commissioner, His Excellence Charles Moore, to the Minister of Health and Social Services, Honourable Kalumbi Shangula.
At the handover ceremony, Hon. Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that this donation indicates the strength of Namibia’s international cooperation. She further lauded Prof. Kenneth Matengu, UNAM Vice-Chancellor, for representing Namibia exceptionally well, on the issue of Covid-19.
‘The COVID-19 Pandemic has rippled through every community on earth, truly highlighting the connectivity we share as a global society. Therefore, international solidarity has been crucial in overcoming this pandemic, and this donation marks such solidarity”, remarked Hon. Nandi-Ndiatwah.
“This donation represents a gift from the government and the people of Wales, and we are indeed very proud to represent the government of Wales in Namibia”, said H.E Moore. He further pointed out that Wales has developed a strong relationship with Namibia over the past decade through the phoenix project, which has improved the lives of Namibians in Health, Education, Science, and Communication.
The Phoenix Project is a partnership between the University of Namibia and Cardiff University in Wales.
H.E Moore was joined by the Ambassador of the High Commission of Namibia to the United Kingdom, Linda Scott. Ambassador Scott remarked that: “Through the phoenix project we see a growth of dynamism, relation and further education in Namibia, and that Namibia would rise just like the mythical phoenix bird that was renewed after destruction.”
Professor Kenneth Matengu, during his remarks, stated that this donation follows a series of queries requesting how the university can assist in the fight against the pandemic with the help of its partners.
“Today, we are grateful for the tremendous support of the Welsh Government in helping our country battle this virus.”
“This is yet another demonstration of true partnership and genuine solidarity in the fight against this deadly pandemic”, remarked Hon. Shangula. He further thanked UNAM and the Welsh government for their unwavering support during the pandemic.
UNAM COVID-19 INITIATIVES
UNAM’s Covid-19 initiatives include: the establishment of a licensed Molecular Diagnostic laboratory, Covid-19 drive-through testing station, manufacturing hand sanitizers, training dogs to detect Covid-19, and initiating the UNAM Cares Vaccination Campaign, Oxygen Case management for nursing across Namibia, among others.
