HOPE in the times of Covid

In response to the unexpected and unprecedented social challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic presented, FirstRand Namibia created the Health Optimisation in a Pandemic Emergency (HOPE) Fund immediately following lockdown. HOPE is a public benefit fund created to assist government and other social partners in responding to the healthcare challenges of Covid-19 in Namibia. The fund facilitated a number of interventions particularly focused on healthcare solutions and feeding schemes for vulnerable communities.Government asked local businesses to come together to fund one-third of the cost of the vaccine, which will be distributed free of charge to all Namibians. The funds in the Vaccines for Hope account will be used to buy vaccines directly from suppliers and cover the logistical costs of distributing and managing the vaccine roll-out. OTHER INITIATIVESFNB Namibia, through HOPE, donated 15 thermal cameras to the value of N$1.4 million to support government’s efforts in detecting any infections as soon and as early as possible. The cameras were deployed at high contact points of migration between regions and borders as well as other crowded areas such as hospitals, to help those on the frontline of this pandemic and to manage Namibians at risk of infection.A Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits valued at N$810 000, is vital in ensuring that public healthcare workers continue to operate with confidence and a sense of safety, to ensure that our country stays afloat and productive in this time of crisis.Given the potential shortage of ventilators across the country, and specifically in the public health sector, a low-cost, disposable emergency respirator has been created to manage patients in respiratory distress. The first 100 units valued at N$3 200 each have been manufactured and deployed for use, with very positive results in critical patients. A further 200 units will be manufactured and supplied to the Windhoek Central Hospital ICU team.CO-FEED NAMIBIAProject Co-Feed Namibia is a citizen-driven initiative with the sole objective to mobilise food supplies and other basic necessities for distribution to the vulnerable within communities in response to the national lockdown necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Working with local retailers, social partners and some investee companies, Co Feed created a platform for willing citizens to directly mitigate the inevitable shortage of basic necessities amongst the vulnerable members of our community. Ashburton’s executive members contributed N$50 000 towards Co-Feed, which was further topped by the HOPE Fund.RMB, through the HOPE Fund and in collaboration with Bokomo Namibia and Co-Feed established a food drive aptly named the Bag of Hope Initiative. Through this food drive, employees and the public donated N$166 000, all of which was handed over to vulnerable members of our communities.

HOPE in the times of Covid

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-17

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HOPE in the times of Covid

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-17

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