Staff Writer
Debmarine Namibia in partnership with the University of Namibia, in addition to the initial machine availed at the launch of the lab in August 2020, recently sponsored a second PCR machine in effort to accelerate the country’s Covid-19 testing capacity at cost of N$ 3.6 million.
The PCR laboratory is based at the UNAM Hage Geingob Campus and managed by the School of Medicine.
Apart from the PCR Covid-19 testing system, the additional laboratory testing kit comes with power protection equipment for the purpose of safeguarding the system against power surges, and also to protect computer equipment and the integrity of sample runs that might be in progress.
According to UNAM experts from the School of Medicine currently run the facility, said donation of the second machine , will play a vital role in the turnaround time for results as the laboratory can now analyse at least 500 samples every eight hours.
“The establishment of the testing laboratory at the University of Namibia has increased the diagnostic and prognostic testing process of Covid-19 and complement efforts by the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) and accelerated the country’s testing capacity.”
Debmarine Namibia’s CEO, Otto Shikongo said, “we remain committed to support and strengthen government’s effort in managing Covid-19. Safety is a non-negotiable core value in our business. Winning the war against the pandemic requires collective efforts by partnering with communities to build capacity that benefits all. For this reason, Debmarine Namibia once again teamed up with the University of Namibia – School of Medicine by sponsoring additional PCR equipment.”
UNAM Vice Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu said, “UNAM is immensely grateful and proud for the continued vote of confidence bestowed by Debmarine Namibia. In addition to adding to the country’s testing capacity, we intend to use these machines for research and their myriad of applications to contribute to capacity and the knowledge economy.”
