The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Wednesday officially handed over 200 emergency hospital beds worth N.dollar 9.7 million to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS).
The beds, a donation sourced by Namibian Ambassador to the United States of America (U.S), Margret Mensah-Williams, aim to assist in addressing the shortage of beds, especially in the isolation facilities across the country.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Jessica Long, said the beds are specifically designed to assist healthcare workers when responding to COVID-19 patients in respiratory distress.
“While these beds may very well help COVID-19 patients in need of medical assistance, the best would be that people do not need them at all. The best way to avoid needing these beds is through vaccination,” she said.
MoHSS Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, at the same occasion thanked the American people and the agencies of the U.S. government, whom he said have on several occasions demonstrated their boundless generosity in supporting Namibia during times of need.
He said the ministry has established, using prefabricated technology, several isolation units across the country and equipment is needed to operationalise those facilities and to deliver high quality healthcare services.
“We therefore remain grateful for this practical demonstration of generosity, which has enabled us to meet and overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only that, the American people have supported Namibia in other areas pertaining to the health sector,” Nangombe said.
The beds have already been distributed to hospitals, including Katutura State Hospital, Okahandja, Karasburg and Onandjokwe.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency