Marythar Kambinda

KATIMA MULILO – About 30 nurses this week received oxygen case management training at Katima Mulilo courtesy of the University of Namibia in partnership with the Cardiff University. 

The Unam Cares project, together with the Phoenix Project, aims to train over 180 healthcare workers countrywide. 

Speaking at the start of  the two-day training on Monday, Katima Mulilo Unam Campus’ Assistant Pro-Vice Chancellor Bennett Kangumu said the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the need to take care in terms of training as well caring for health professionals, as they are the cornerstone of “our livelihood.” 

“We appreciate the work and sacrifices from the healthcare professionals who are taking care of those that are afflicted by the pandemic. It is not easy, as you are dealing with something that can harm you but you continue providing that service,” stated Kangumu. 

Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu, who officially opened the training, said Namibia has been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Zambezi region was not spared. “The pandemic has caused considerable negative impacts on the country’s socio-economic and socio fabric. Though the daily Covid-19 infection rates are declining in the country; we are still concerned by the rate of deaths and non-adherence behaviours of the health and safety regulations,” he said. 

Sampofu also highlighted the training is a noble gesture from the Unam and Cardiff University through the Unam Cares project to strengthen the health sectors response to Covid-19. “Thank you for reaching out to this region to benefit our nurses in building their capacities with knowledge and skills to respond competently to the needs of the patients in high care units and their families in need,” stated Sampofu. 

The training seeks to contribute to the collective efforts of the health ministry in building capacity and strengthening the country’ healthcare systems in response to health emergencies.