Shared Services Partnership facilitates the supply of £7.2m of PPE to Namibia
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) is facilitating the supply of PPE to Namibia to help the global fight against COVID-19.
First Minister Mark Drakeford visited NWSSP’s IP5 distribution hub in Newport to announce how NWSSP are supplying £7.2 million of PPE to Namibia to help them fight a devastating third wave of the Covid pandemic.
Over £7m worth of masks, gowns and hand sanitizer, which is not needed in Wales are being donated and a further £500,000 grant is being given for oxygen equipment and nurse training.
Namibia is currently experiencing its third wave of the pandemic and this third surge has exposed the critically insufficient health infrastructure in Namibia.
The kit includes over 1.1m face masks, 500,000 gowns, 100,000 protective aprons and over £1m worth of hand sanitizer.
Wales will also donate £500,000 for essential oxygen equipment and nurse training through the Welsh Government’s Wales and Africa programme.
Namibia has a severe problem with oxygen supply and a lack of personnel with the skills to deliver oxygen to save the lives of the seriously ill.
As part of the visit the First Minister met with Cardiff University professor Judith Hall, who has helped to drive the project to transfer PPE to the southern African country. The transferring of the equipment is also part of an initiative realised through the Phoenix Project between Cardiff University and the University of Namibia.
Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor professor Colin Riordan and the High Commissioner for Namibia to the UK, Linda Scott and Newport West Assembly Member Jayne Bryant were also in attendance to hand over the clinical equipment for transportation via NWSSP’s distribution networks.
The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford said;
“I have heard directly from Namibia on the extremely difficult situation that they face in the battle against COVID-19. We have a duty to help those in need and I’m proud that Wales is stepping forward to fight the global threat of coronavirus.”
“Wales will stand alongside Namibia and we will do everything we can to help them through this difficult time.”
NWSSP Managing Director Neil Frow;
“I am very proud of the incredible efforts by our teams to make this donation a reality. Everyone has worked incredibly hard across Wales and I am pleased that we are able to play our part in an initiative that will allow health workers in Namibia feel supported as they work to save lives.”
“The supply of PPE to Namibia also confirms our commitment to the Welfare of Future Generations Act which commits Wales to being a globally responsible nation.”
“The general distribution of PPE across Wales has also now reached over 1 billion items since the beginning of the pandemic- a phenomenal achievement. Thank you to all staff who have gone the extra mile and for continuing to play such a crucial part in keeping the wheels within the NHS in Wales turning in everything that you do.”
Director of Procurement and Health Courier Services Jonathan Irvine;
“I am delighted that NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership has been able to assist in the donation of 1.9 million items of PPE to the people of Namibia. Our success in sourcing and securing PPE throughout the pandemic has allowed us to build stock to a level at which this donation has been made possible.”
“I am pleased to say that a number of the PPE products being donated have either been manufactured in Wales or sourced through Welsh based distributors and agents. NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership is proud to be able to support the Welsh Government in this donation and provide much needed assistance to Namibia in its fight against COVID.”
