Page 21 - UNAM Forum ED2-2021

n partnership with the University of Namibia, in Pathology (NIP) and accelerate the country’s
addition to the initial machine availed at the testing capacity. NIP helped UNAM acquire the
launch of the lab in August 2020, Debmarine license by guiding them through the strict licensing
INamibia has recently sponsored a second PCR process.
machine in an effort to accelerate the country’s
Covid-19 testing capacity. Debmarine Namibia’s CEO, Otto Shikongo
remarked, “We remain committed to support
The PCR laboratory is based at the UNAM Hage and strengthen government’s efforts in managing
Geingob Campus, managed by the School of Covid-19. Safety is a non-negotiable core value in
Medicine. our business.

Apart from the PCR Covid-19 testing system, “Winning the war against the pandemic requires
the additional laboratory testing kit comes with collective efforts by partnering with communities to
power protection equipment for the purpose of build capacity that benefits all.
safeguarding the system against power surges,
and also to protect computing equipment and the “For this reason, Debmarine Namibia once again
integrity of sample runs that might be in progress. teamed up with the University of Namibia – School of
Medicine by sponsoring additional PCR equipment.”
UNAM experts from the School of Medicine currently
run the facility. It was made clear at the launch UNAM Vice Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu
that the PCR machine, valued at more than N$3.6 said, “UNAM is immensely grateful and proud for
million, aimed to play a vital role in the turnaround the continued vote of confidence bestowed by
time for results. The laboratory can now analyse at Debmarine Namibia.
least 500 samples every eight hours.
“In addition to adding to the country’s testing
The establishment of the testing laboratory at the capacity, we intend to use these machines
University of Namibia has increased the diagnostic for research and their myriad of applications
and prognostic testing process of Covid-19 and to contribute to capacity and the knowledge
complement efforts by the Namibia Institute of economy.”

21 Official Newsletter