The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has received a portable mobile laboratory donated by the Russian Federation.

The handover aims to strengthen Namibia's disease surveillance and laboratory response capacity.

The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services Suzan Ndjaleka says the donation is another chapter in the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Namibia and the Russian Federation.

Ndjaleka says the laboratory will reduce the time it takes to transport samples to central laboratories, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment.

She also says the two nations share a history of solidarity, and that partnership continues through practical support that will improve the lives of the citizens.

"We are decentralising hope; we are breaking those distances. We are no longer waiting for the crisis to come to help; we are taking the leap to the heart of the crisis."

The Russian ambassador to Namibia, Dmitry Lobach, says the equipment will enable health workers to diagnose a wide range of infectious diseases directly at outbreak sites, allowing for quicker responses and better public health protection.

Lobach also noted that cooperation between the two countries has continued to grow over the years through the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of strong healthcare systems and rapid disease detection.

"Russia remains firmly committed to international cooperation, and I mean, we are ready to further develop cooperation with Namibian partners and take initiatives to improve common capacities in the fight against infectious diseases."

The mobile laboratory will improve the country's preparedness and response to future public health emergencies.