Staff Writer
The Ministry of Health and Social Services received 200 new medical emergency beds today following months-long cooperation on the initiative by the US Embassy in Namibia and the Namibian Embassy in the US.
The Ministry will distribute the beds to four health facilities supporting Namibia’s COVID-19 response: Katutura Hospital, Okahandja Hospital, Onandjokwe Hospital, and Karasburg District Hospital.
Several beds will also be stored, so they can be moved at short notice to whichever facility requires them most when the need arises.
The beds were sourced by the Namibian Ambassador to the United States, Honorable Margaret Mensah-Williams, from the American NGO “Project CURE” and shipped to Namibia by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through their EQUIP Project managed by the non-profit organisation “Right to Care.”
The beds are specially designed for medical emergencies and accommodate patients in respiratory distress, including vented patients. They have a low height mattress and an attached pole for uninterrupted intravenous therapy.
Today, Jessica Long, the US Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, joined Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Ambassador Penda Naanda and Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services Ben Nangombe to deliver the beds to the Ministry of Health.
“Today’s event is another sign of how the United States and Namibia partnership keeps the people in Namibia better prepared for future health crises,” said Chargé Long. “I want to encourage everyone again to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The US government supported the Ministry of Health and Social Services through the PEPFAR program, has demonstrated determination and commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and has clearly shown the same responsibility to end the COVID-19 pandemic. You can trust the MOHSS and us when saying that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.”
USAID’s Country Representative in Namibia, McDonald Homer commented, “The US Government has worked with Project CURE on numerous other projects. We are excited to facilitate the transportation of these beds from the United States. States to Namibia to respond to possible future COVID-19 patients.”
The US Embassy has supported the Health Ministry’s COVID-19 response with partner organisations since March 2021.
USAID has previously procured personal protective equipment, and 70 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds distributed to eight Namibian hospitals last year.
