The Diamond Manufacturers' Association of Namibia (DIAMAN) has donated furniture, sanitary items, chairs, medical equipment, and mattresses to the Windhoek Mental Health Unit to improve the environment and well-being of patients there.
The company will also launch a second phase of renovations to the unit.
DIAMAN further plans to renovate the acute patients room, the reception area at Ward C, repair the ablution facilities, and other related plumbing works, as well as the revamp of the Forensic Ward.
Nikki Iithete from DIAMAN says, "The donations that we are handing over today are more than just material gifts, they present our collective efforts to provide better care support and resources for those who are facing mental health challenges."
The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Utjiua Muinjangue, commended the company for investing and buying into the ministry's vision.
"This underscores that DIAMAN understands corporate social responsibility to the core, and hence, they took a practical action to invest in a sector that impacts the social, economic, and environmental life of society by choosing to improve the condition of the mental health patients to secure a conducive environment for healing and recovery."
Dr. Hileni Ndjaba, the Head of Mental Health Unit, urged the community to cease using derogatory names such as "maal kamp," emphasising that the facility is a safe and supportive environment for mental patients.
"We have been called "Maal kamp." Can we stop this before I welcome you all and you are here today? You become ambassadors. We want you to promote mental health. We want you to understand mental health."