WINDHOEK: Peralin Paints on Wednesday donated a GeneXpert machine valued at N.dollars 170 000 to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

The machine detects Tuberculosis (TB) more rapidly, and can also detect whether a person is resistant to anti-TB medication.

“We are proud to be able to give back to our community by investing in life-enhancing and social uplifting aspects that concern our people,” Director of Peralin Paints, Angelica San said during the handing-over ceremony at the ministry’s offices here.

Peralin Paints manufactures premium-quality polyvinyl acetate (PVA) paints, texture coatings and plasters as well as roof and special coatings.

San said the improvement of living standards over a range of aspects, from medical to educational, has always been a vital part of the company’s business and social engagement.

Speaking at the same occasion, Minister of Health and Social Services Dr Richard Kamwi said the machine will be stationed at Grootfontein to cater primarily for the Tsumkwe Constituency, which is one of the hotspots for drug-resistant TB in the country.

He said the donation comes at an opportune moment as Namibia has received international acclaim for rapidly scaling-up the implementation of THE programmatic management of drug-resistant TB, adding that the GeneXpert machine will support this.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, I wish to thank Peralin Paints for this generous donation,” Kamwi stated.

He then challenged other members of the local business community to emulate this company’s gesture.