The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Utjiua Muinjangue, says Namibia's coronavirus journey has been a difficult one, worsened by logistical challenges such as inadequate human and material resources.

Muinjangue made the remarks during a handover ceremony of vaccination equipment from Project Hope Namibia to the Ministry of Health.

Handing over the equipment, Project HOPE Namibia Country Director, Rosalia Indongo, said the aim was to bring Namibia's COVID-19 vaccination level to 70% or above.

As part of its Joy Box Project, First National Bank handed over about 460 boxes containing food, stationery, and cosmetics to the Project Hope Namibia's Namibia Adherence and Retention Project beneficiaries.

The donation will benefit underprivileged children aged 0–18 years and elders in Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Ondangwa.

A total of 708 boxes were donated by the FNB staff and the FirstRand Foundation, of which 460 were handed over in Windhoek.

The boxes consist of non-perishable food items, cosmetics, stationery, self-care kits, and baby items, to name a few.

Project Hope Namibia has donated computer tablets to the Oshikoto Education Directory to be used by learners doing advanced-level studies.

According to the Education Directorate in Oshikoto Region, over 400 learners are registered for AS-level, and they estimate this will grow to about 1,000 learners next year.

Project organizers say they have realized that many AS-level students lack access to electronic devices, and thanks to the donation, they will now be able to download material and learn online.