By: Justicia Shipena
The University of Namibia (Unam) says it will be funding part of a N$2,5 million grant obtained from Welsh government to Zambia for a vaccination initiative in Chongwe.
The grant was obtained through the university’s Phoenix NamVacc Project.
Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu said Zambia will get N$100 947 for the vaccination campaign.
Matengu conveyed that an additional N$492 914 will be injected into staff cost for Unam, Cardiff University and Zambia.
Speaking during the donation handover today, Kenneth Matengu said the funding forms part of a larger number of donations from the Welsh government totalling N$166 900 000.
“Part of this grant will see construction of oxygen concentrators in hospitals identified by Namibia’s ministry of health,” he said.
Matengu said Unam will pay the bill while the ministry identifies the construction sites.
Matengu said this during the donation of clinical supplies worth N$2,5 million to Namibia’s ministry of health
“This significant contribution will go a long way in addressing the plight to Namibians and where possible assist neighbouring countries in need,” he expressed.
Matengu describes the donation from the Welsh government as a bright ray of sunshine amid a dark storm.
“This is generosity renews our faith in our humanity, yet it also makes available resources to fight this pandemic and restore hope,” said Matengu.
Out of the N$2,5 million grant N$1 397 734 will be used for injections packs for 90 000 citizens.
Matengu added that N$164 063 will be spend on consumables for staff protection during the ministry’s vaccination campaign.
“An additional, N$243 102 will be used for staff protection at the correctional services vaccination exercise, this includes initiation of soap and sanitiser making,” he said.
Health minister, Kalumbi Shangula said the clinical supplies are part of a larger consignment which will be delivered in phases.
“These items are clinical supplies needed by our health workers in our facilities,” said Shangula.
Speaking at the event, Shangula urged universities use science and technology through research to provide breakthroughs that will foster scientific and technological development.
“Our universities should challenge and mould young minds to be innovative to find practical solutions to help our country,” he said.
To date, the global pandemic has killed over 4 000 with 126 306 vaccinated in Namibia.
