Page 18 - UNAM’s National Capstone Contributions

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3. HAGE GEINGOB CAMPUS

Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory

Debmarine Namibia has sponsored two PCR machines in an effort to
accelerate the country’s Covid-19 testing capacity.

The laboratory implemented the first genomic sequencing for Covid-19
variants in Namibia, and it has reported results to the Ministry of Health on
the prevailing SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Namibia. 2021 saw the expansion
of the lab through the procurement of a containerized laboratory for
Covid-19 and infectious diseases. The container lab was funded by KfW
through the Office of the Vice Chancellor, with the following specialized tests implemented: HIV Drug Resistance,
Hepatitis E, and TB Antibiotic Resistance.

Opportunities
• The lab has played a national pivotal role in assisting with the clearance of Covid-19 testing backlog that was
experienced at the National Reference Laboratory. Within a month of lab involvement, the national backlog was
reduced from over 7500 samples, to less than 1000 samples per day.
• The efficiency of the lab has been noticed and applauded by the Ministry of Health, and to that effect, MoHSS
has requested the UNAM lab to provide Covid-19 testing service for inpatients in Katutura and Central Hospitals,
Windhoek, with results turn-around time of 6-12 hours.
• The lab can generate more income, if it starts providing Covid-19 testing to individuals instead of groups, asmore
people require Covid-19 results faster, in order to travel.
• The lab has a vast potential to grow into a Centre of Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics to offer specialized services
not currently offered in Namibia, and interests into partnership with South African and German Laboratories have
been expressed.
• Mostly, it has the potential to attract research funding that can generate extra income for the lab via overheads
and provision of consultancy services, hence maintaining self-reliance.
• With the addition of the container lab, UNAM is strategically positioned to assist MoHSS in responding to emergency
disease outbreaks nationally by renting out the container lab, hence generating much needed income.

For more information, please contact:
Prof Judith Hall, Email: jhall@unam.na
( +264 61 206 5023

4. ENG. JOSE EDUARDO DOS SANTOS CAMPUS

Expansion of Student Hostels

This will ensure an increased intake of
students, also international students,
once completed.

Construction cost: N$188 Million

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Petrina Johannes,
Email: pjohannes@unam.na,
( +264 65 2324022

UNAM’s National Capstone Contributions