Former first lady, Penehupifo Pohamba received a donation of 30 000 KN95 protective non-surgical masks from United States-based healthcare companies Stratos Medical and V6CO LLC on Thursday. The donation valued at N$1,2 million was initiated and organised by former United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Namibia education researcher, Bosen Lily Liu as part of cross-national donations in Africa and the Caribbean. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Pohamba said the donation has been long overdue as it was expected to arrive in Namibia in May 2020 when the novel coronavirus pandemic was at its peak. She, however, added that the donation has arrived at a time when it is needed the most, as part of preventative measures against the spread of COVID-19 infections. “I am glad the donation has finally arrived. We will now distribute these masks to intended recipients. It will make a huge difference in the lives of many, particularly medical professionals and safety officers, at the battlefront of the pandemic,” said Pohamba. She also appealed to recipients of the masks to use them with care to protect themselves and others. Speaking on behalf of the donors, media personality Joseph Ailonga said Namibia has been at the core of Liu’s heart and that she hopes to continue supporting Namibia during the COVID-19 pandemic to further serve those in severe need of medical supplies. “As the pandemic continues to expose us to tragedies and sadness, I hereby call for all of us to take a moment and look at a different side of the story where love, care and support have been shared by our dear friends. We are not alone, and we are never alone because we are humans,” Ailonga said. The masks will, amongst others, be distributed to 43 district hospitals across the country, six government institutions, three maternal homes and four private hospitals.