Geingob also said the government is continuously strengthening the public health sector and national testing capacity.

According to Geingob, 27,785 tests have been conducted as part of the Targeted Mass Testing and active case search. This represents a testing ratio of 10.1 people per 1,000, which is among the highest, not only in Africa but in the world.

“Although we have made a considerable improvement in clearing the testing backlog, we continue to experience delays in testing and disclosure of results, owing to the large volumes of samples,” he adding that to increase the national testing capacity that currently stands at an average of 1,150 tests per day.

Namibia, Geingob said, has expanded laboratory capacities at Windhoek, Keetmanshoop and Oranjemund.

“Next week we will commission new testing laboratories at Walvis Bay and Oshakati, which will significantly boost our capacity and ability to quarantine and isolate positive cases, sooner.”

The president further said the cabinet has approved the recruitment of more Health Professionals to strengthen the national response.

“Some development cooperation partners have also availed health workers and experts to support our response. We sincerely appreciate our medical personnel and other frontline workers who risk their lives on a daily basis to serve their fellow countrymen and women.”