US government donates equipment for Covid-19 testing

NAMPAWINDHOEKThe United States government has donated laboratory equipment to the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) to support the ministry of health and social services in its ongoing efforts to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.The equipment, valued at N$6.2 million, consists of 30 centrifuges, 15 vortex mixers, 12 biosafety cabinets, 10 refrigerators and 10 freezers.The equipment will be distributed throughout Namibia and will strengthen laboratory capacity, provide a safer working environment for laboratory staff, and increase the availability of temperature-controlled storage for samples and tests.The donation, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is part of the N$100 million Covid-19 assistance for Namibia from the US government, which the US embassy announced in April 2020.It said the lab equipment was procured by USAID’s supply-chain partner Chemonics and handed over to NIP, the largest diagnostic pathology service provider in the country, to enhance the capacity to screen and test for Covid-19 nationwide.US ambassador Lisa Johnson said: “The lab equipment donation delivers on the United States’ promise to assist Namibia as we all battle this virus. We are in this together. America remains committed to contributing to global health security and humanitarian assistance worldwide, including here in Namibia.”The ministry of health and social services has laid the groundwork in making sure the country is prepared for any impact from Covid-19, the people of Namibia have played an active role in taking the required precautions and implementing regulations to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, she added.Johnson further said that today’s challenges necessitate continued cooperation not only between the two governments but with other donors, the business community, civil society organisations, and the people of Namibia.Johnson also expressed appreciation to healthcare workers for their selflessness by putting their lives on the line for others.

US government donates equipment for Covid-19 testing

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-16

Please login to leave a comment

US government donates equipment for Covid-19 testing

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-16

Please login to leave a comment

Login