WALVIS BAY – More than 30 000 people in the Erongo region suffer from chronic respiratory conditions, acting health director Leonard Kabongo has revealed.
He said this while receiving a donation of seven oxygen concentrators from ErongoRed recently in Walvis Bay.
Kabongo highlighted the urgent need for having adequate oxygen concentrators in the region.
He said chronic respiratory conditions have become a significant health burden in the region, and are among the top 10 causes of death in the region.
“These conditions range from lung cancer, chronic obstructive diseases, pneumonia, bronchitis and pneumoconiosis, especially among people working in the mining sector, who are exposed to dust and harmful chemicals,” he noted.
He said chronic respiratory diseases are among the top 10 causes of death in the region, adding that some cases were exacerbated by Covid-19.
He added that many of the patients require long-term supplemental oxygen, particularly those in palliative care.
“Oxygen concentrators are critical in such cases because the patients cannot remain in hospital indefinitely. These devices provide a way for them to receive oxygen safely at home, improving their quality of life,” Kabongo said.
He welcomed the donation, and stressed its importance for ongoing medical needs beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Even after Covid-19, we are still dealing with a large number of patients with chronic respiratory conditions. Hence, this donation comes at the right time, as it will benefit those on palliative oxygen therapy who need long-term support,” he said.
Dur ing the handove r, ErongoRed CEO Immanuel !Hanabeb said the seven oxygen concentrators, valued at N$225 000, were initially procured to assist the company’s employees during the Covid-19 outbreak.
“Thankfully, only one of these machines was used. Therefore, we are donating the remaining six to state hospitals in Erongo, as we recognise the shortage of oxygen concentrators in the region,” he said.
The concentrators wi l l be distributed to Walvis Bay State Hospital (three units), Swakopmund State Hospital (two units), Usakos State Hospital (one unit) and Omaruru State Hospital (one unit).
!Hanabeb said they will assist the Swakopmund State Hospital with electrical connections.
ErongoRed wi ll replace streetlights outside the hospital for N$35 000 as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, with a focus on health and well-being.
-edeklerk@nepc.com.na