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The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has donated a new health service delivery boat to the Zambezi health
Residents of the Zambezi Region, especially those in flood-prone areas and islands, will have better access to healthcare following the donation of an ambulance boat by the United States government.
The vessel, which will aid in the transportation of healthcare workers and patients along the Zambezi River, was officially inaugurated by the minister of health and social services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula over the weekend.
While inaugurating the new boat, Shangula stressed the vital role the boat will play in bridging the gap between healthcare services and communities that have struggled with accessibility due to seasonal flooding for years.
“This boat is an irreplaceable resource for people in need of healthcare services,” he said while also reiterating the necessity of targeted interventions to mitigate the effects of geographic challenges on healthcare delivery.
He added that the donation, made through the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), will aid the important work of the Zambezi Regional Directorate of Health and Social Welfare Services.
According to the minister, the initiative aims to ensure that the most vulnerable communities continue to receive timely medical intervention despite the region’s challenging terrain.
“This donation is an important landmark in our ongoing mission to provide integrated, affordable, and quality healthcare services that are responsive to the needs of the public. It addresses a specific challenge of maritime transport,” he said.
Shangula pointed out that natural disasters such as floods have become more frequent due to climate change, necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions to maintain healthcare services.
“This calls for targeted and appropriate solutions to ensure that the inhabitants of this region have access to services. Today, we are proud to present one such solution: a versatile health service delivery boat, specifically designed to operate in flood-prone areas and islands in this region,” he said.
Beyond emergency medical services, the health boat is expected to enhance healthcare delivery in managing disease outbreaks, maternal and child health, and community outreach programmes.
Shangula praised the efforts of healthcare workers and community leaders who continue to serve under difficult conditions, recognising their dedication and resilience.
“I extend profound thanks to PEPFAR for their invaluable support and dedication to strengthening Namibia’s healthcare system. Equally, I acknowledge the relentless efforts of our healthcare workers, community leaders, and all stakeholders who work tirelessly to deliver healthcare services, often under trying conditions. Your hard work is key to the achievement of our mission, and it does not go unnoticed,” he said.
He added that for the residents of the Zambezi Region, the newly acquired boat represents far more than just a means of transport.
According to Shangula, the boat brings hope and progress in the continuous struggle to ensure equitable healthcare access, regardless of location.
“To the residents of the Zambezi Region, particularly those in the flood-prone areas and surrounding islands, this boat is an invaluable resource – a beacon of hope in our collective effort to overcome the challenges posed by nature,” he said.
Shangula added that innovative solutions such as the new health boat demonstrate the power of collaboration, which is focused on the importance of ensuring healthcare accessibility for all citizens, no matter where they are.
