In the week the World Health Organisation warned of a “new and dangerous phase” in the Coronavirus pandemic, the NWU ramped up its efforts to fight the scourge.
On 17 June the university cemented a cooperation drive with the North West Provincial Health Department during the official launch of a comprehensive health screening and contact tracing unit.
The event took place at the Westvaal Mine Hospital in Orkney near Klerksdorp and will see the department using two of NWU’s mini buses previously used by the Mahikeng Science Centre as mobile science labs.
The Sasol Foundation donated one of the mobile units to the NWU in March this year with the aim of delivering practical science education to thousands of learners in the North-West Province.
“This combi is currently being prepared to be handed over to the NW health department. Petrol for this combi will be partly funded by the Sasol Foundation,” says Prof Thebe Medupe, Deputy Dean for Community Engagement at the NWU’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
According to Prof Thebe, his faculty and the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Marilyn Setlalentoa, will cover the costs for a driver and petrol for another mini bus to be used in the fight against Covid-19.
Meanwhile, the NWU’s chemistry department and instrument making workshop have produced an innovative assisted breathing device (ventilator) as a critical weapon in the treatment of severe Covid 19 cases.
Says Prof Thebe: “It is a prototype. It works, but needs to go through a process of further testing and approval to be used at clinics and hospitals across the province. It can be operated by solar power or a 12-volt battery.”
Speaking at the Orkney event, NW Health MEC Madoda Sambatha said his department was continually procuring, receiving and distributing personal protection equipment (PPE) despite low stock levels.
“The donations we continue to receive from the private sector are highly appreciated and go a long way to making a difference,” concluded the MEC.
NWU’s Prof Thebe Medupe pictured with North West Health MEC, Madoda Sambatha after cutting the ribbon at the Orkney function
NWU’s Prof Thebe Medupe (seated far right) demonstrates how the assisted breathing device developed by NWU scientists works.
