Tsumkwe-based community health extension workers on Wednesday received a donation of equipment from Otjijkoto B2Gold Namibia for their outreach programmes into the rural villages of the constituency.
The Tsumkwe community health extension workers fall under the Grootfontein District Hospital situated about 270 kilometres south of Tsumkwe settlement.
The equipment was requested by the Grootfontein District Hospital from the B2Gold Namibia at the beginning of July this year.
Grootfontein Constituency Councillor, Nelao Amagulu on behalf of Government received the equipment that includes camping gear, flood lights, cooking utensils and chairs amongst others valued at nearly N.dollars 119 000.
“We are happy as Government to receive the donation and we promise to use it for intended purposes,” said Amagulu on Wednesday at the Grootfontein State Hospital.
Acting Senior Medical Officer at the hospital, Dr Magnus Rutakulemberwa said the community health extension workers assigned for Tsumkwe regular visits and screening of tuberculosis (TB), antenatal healthcare on pregnant women and HIV and Aids, face many challenges due to the villages there being scattered.
He said that the health extension workers need to camp at those different villages and set up their mobile offices, where they can successfully executive their duties.
“It is for this reason we approached the B2Gold Mine for a sponsorship in that line, and we are thankful for their quick response.”
Dr Rutakulemberwa added that a total of seven community health extension workers will make use of the equipment and are expected to start with their camping in the Tsumkwe villages before the end of this month.
The doctor said the community health extension workers are not medical doctors or nurses, but are mandated to do screenings and offer information regarding different diseases, malnutrition and immunisation of children under five-years, as well as to provide information on family planning for adult women.
“This is their primary job which promote primary healthcare and disease prevention,” said Rutakulemberwa.
The initiatives are expected to benefit around 5000 people.
Otjikoto B2Gold Mine representative, Samuel Paulo handed over the equipment.