Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the University of Namibia (UNAM) has been committed to complementing the government’s efforts against the pandemic.
Through this commitment, the University has donated four (4) Philips Respirator Machines to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS) to the tune of N$705 000.00.
The donation is a result of the University’s partnership with the Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, which came into being in 1994 following common interest in the fraternity of astrophysics.
The handover ceremony took place at the MHSS’s Head Office, in the company of the Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, along with the Deputy Minister and Executive Director of the Ministry, Hon. Dr. Esther Muinjangue, and Mr Ben Nangombe, respectively.
“We are pleased that once again the University of Namibia and its partners have put their best foot forward and are supporting the Covid-19 National Response through this important donation of Respirator Machines,” said Dr. Shangula.
He further alluded that UNAM has been, and continues to be a valuable partner in the National Response against Covid-19. This support is attested by the Molecular Diagnostic laboratory (Covid-19 testing lab) established by UNAM and its partners, which facilitates genome sequencing – the ability to determine the kind of Covid-19 variants circulating in the country.
“As a Minister, we are thankful and happy to be associated with the University of Namibia. The word thank you is not big enough to express our gratitude” remarked Dr. Muinjangue, after sharing her recollection of the University’s unwavering support since the beginning of the pandemic, ranging from the donation of hand sanitizers to the UNAM Cares Vaccination Campaign.
Handing over the donation was the UNAM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kenneth Matengu together with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Prof. Anicia Peters.
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, among others.
