Namibia receives more COVID-19 medicals supplies from China

WINDHOEK -- Namibia received a batch of COVID-19 supplies worth five million Namibian dollars (about 300,000 U.S. dollars) donated by the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the occasion of China's 71st anniversary, at an event held on Oct 1 in Windhoek.

The donation included 30,000 N95 masks, 10 oxygenators, 20 ventilators, and 100 thermometers, making this the fourth batch of COVID-19 supply donations from the Chinese government so far.

Speaking at the handover, Namibia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conveyed warm congratulations to China as it celebrates its anniversary, stating that the donation comes at an opportune time as the two countries continue to strengthen diplomatic ties.

"This donation comes at the right time when China and Namibia are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations," she said, adding that the donation is set to go a long way in combating the pandemic.

Speaking at the same occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhang Yiming said the friendly protocol arrangement demonstrates the friendly relationship and common determination to jointly fight the COVID-19 between China and Namibia.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Namibia's President Hage Geingob for his sincere sentiments and a firm commitment to the China-Namibia comprehensive strategic partnership," he added.

Zhang said since COVID-19 cases were recorded in Namibia, the Chinese government, sister cities, Chinese enterprises, and non-governmental charities have donated plenty of medical supplies to support Namibia's anti-pandemic efforts.

Meanwhile, Namibia's executive director of the Ministry of Health, Ben Nangombe, said the items Namibia received from China have gone a long way in assisting the country's health sector, be it through donated clinical materials or through telemedicine conferences.

According to the Chinese embassy's preliminary statistics, the total value of goods donated from the Chinese government, enterprises, and personnel since the outbreak in Namibia now stands at 52 million Namibian dollars.