Justicia Shipena
A renewed agreement between the University of Namibia (Unam) and the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) will establish specialised training in pathology through a Master of Medicine programme.
It will also create advanced training opportunities for medical technologists and scientists.
On Tuesday, NIP and Unam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Windhoek to strengthen cooperation in pathology education, specialised training, and medical research.
The agreement was signed by NIP chief executive officer Kapena Tjombonde and Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu.
The agreement includes joint curriculum development, internships for medical students, joint research projects, technology upgrades, and expert secondments between the two institutions.
NIP and UNAM have previously worked together. In 2013, NIP professionals began offering academic instruction and clinical supervision for UNAM medical students.
In 2020, the two institutions collaborated on Covid-19 testing services.
Matengu said the collaboration will support postgraduate specialisations in pathology and grow local expertise.
“We are determined to equip Namibian healthcare professionals with the skills needed to advance diagnostic and research capacities, directly benefiting public health outcomes nationwide,” he said.
Tjombonde said the agreement aims to build much-needed capacity in pathology.
“Today’s agreement symbolises our firm commitment to building local capacity in pathology, a critical yet currently under-resourced field. This collaboration positions Namibia to sustainably develop and retain essential medical expertise, enabling advanced diagnostics and transformative healthcare for our nation,” she said.
The MoU will remain in effect for five years.
