Windhoek – The U.S. Embassy has handed over three Toyota Hilux Double Cab vehicles to the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), allowing the NIP to ensure quality HIV testing at regional laboratories. The value of the vehicles is N$1,716,000 (N$572,000 per vehicle).
Quality assurance visits verify that testing conducted in all NIP laboratories across the country is of the same, high standard. The NIP is committed to ensuring that all laboratory testing is accurate, the results are provided in a timely manner, and that clients and stakeholders receive professional customer service.
Funding for the vehicles was provided by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Namibia.
“As Namibia moves towards HIV epidemic control, the Namibia Institute of Pathology is strengthening the long-term HIV response by ensuring a consistent, high-level of quality from clinics to laboratories. These vehicles will help the NIP maintain its standard of quality throughout the country,” said U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson.
In 2021, PEPFAR will increase its funding to the Namibia HIV prevention, care, and treatment program from $81 million USD to $89 million USD.
