The University of Namibia's Medical School received a Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory.

The lab and its contents were made possible through the German Development Bank and other stakeholders.

UNAM's Vice Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu, says the Biosafety Level 3 Lab shows the university's commitment to investing in science and technology. 

"The ability to diagnose all forms of viruses is crucial for us to be able to prevent and control outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the current COVID-19 pandemic."

The project, which was set up at a cost of more than N$10 million, includes funds from the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation, GIZ, and the government.

"The N$6 million of funding provided to KFW was through GIZ, with N$3.5 million provided to equip facilities, train prospective staff members, and conduct diagnostic testing and research in areas such as COVID-19 and tuberculosis, amongst others," said the German Ambassador to Namibia, Herbeck Beck.

The lab, which will support the training of both animal and human doctors, is said to be a gateway for advanced medical milestones.

Dr. Immanuel Nepolo is the head of UNAM's Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory. "It's also going to create that avenue for Namibia to conduct clinical trials; maybe we are not there yet, but I am sure we are closer to starting with phase 3 clinical trials."