Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services officially received a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory from the Government of the Russian Federation, in a move aimed at strengthening Namibia’s public health capacity, disease surveillance, and rapid response capabilities.
The handover ceremony marked the introduction of the all-terrain “Diagnostic Fortress” mobile laboratory, equipped with advanced molecular diagnostic technology designed to enable rapid testing and detection of infectious diseases in remote and hard-to-reach areas across Namibia.
The facility is intended to enhance the country’s ability to detect, monitor, and respond to public health threats, particularly during outbreaks and emergency situations.
Beyond the equipment donation, the partnership includes specialised training for Namibian health professionals to ensure effective operation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of the laboratory through strengthened local expertise.
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Honourable Hambelela Suzan Ndjaleka, received the donation on behalf of the Ministry and expressed gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in strengthening Namibia’s public health preparedness and emergency response systems.
According to Russia’s Rospotrebnadzor health agency, the pneumoframe mobile laboratory will improve Namibia’s capacity for rapid diagnostics of dangerous infections and strengthen its biological protection systems.
The agency further added that Russian specialists are providing training programmes for Namibian counterparts to ensure the effective use of the equipment.
It added that Russia has now delivered 20 mobile epidemiological laboratories to 11 African countries, including deployments supporting Ebola response efforts, as part of broader cooperation on public health and epidemic preparedness across the continent.
Photo: Africa on the move
