Africa-Press – Namibia. Marythar Kambinda
Katima Mulilo – An oxygen generating system, with a capacity to produce 270 litres of oxygen per minute, was constructed for the Katima Mulilo isolation ward as a donation by the University of Namibia, through Cardiff University.
The donation is valued at around N$3.5 million as a result of an ambitious international collaboration between the two institutions under the Phoenix project.
A further five oxygen concentrators were donated by Shiriz Bhmjee from Kamunu holdings to assist the hospital in ensuring a constant supply of oxygen at the State facility.
Speaking at the handover, professor Kenneth Matengu, vice chancellor of Unam, said the Welsh government funded four major medical oxygen production plants for northern parts of Namibia through a grant valued at more than N$20 million.
The plants are valued at N$8 737 386, and they are located in the Katima Mulilo hospital in Zambezi, Grootfontein hospital in Otjozondjupa, Nkurenkuru hospital in Kavango-West and Gobabis hospital in the Omaheke region.
Under this fund, Unam Cares also managed to successfully train 217 nurses in oxygen therapy and ventilation case management, stated Matengu.
Two out of the four oxygen production plants in Katima Mulilo and Grootfontein have been installed and are ready for handover, he said.
According to Vice President Nangolo Mbumba, despite government interventions, a number of our partners and friendly countries, such as the Welsh government, have come to the fore to assist in addressing the challenges the government is facing.
The Welsh government also donated health and personal protective equipment that enabled the country to navigate the challenges brought by Covid-19.
“As the chancellor of Unam, I am delighted to recognise the role the University of Namibia has played in sourcing these facilities and necessary equipment that have enabled our country to navigate the challenges brought by the pandemic.”
He further urged the management of the hospital to take care of the facility, as facilities of such nature are scarce and require good care and maintenance.
Health Minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said the pandemic has taught Namibia and the rest of the world that none of us is safe until all of us are safe – and this realisation has caused a spirit of cooperation and solidarity for humanity to confront and defeat Covid-19 collectively, he said.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
