Media Alert: Fifteen Million Rand Mobile Laboratory for HIV Counselling and Testing Arrives from Germany

The fifteen (R15m) million rand mobile laboratory donated for HIV Counselling and Testing arrived from Germany in the Cape Town harbour this week. After the complicated clearance procedure through customs, the unit was transported to its new home at Tygerberg Hospital.

Developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), located in Saarland Germany, the advanced state of the art mobile diagnostic laboratory allows testing of mass diseases like HIV/Aids, TB and Malaria. It contains a fully equipped biomedical laboratory including bio-safety level three (3) facilities, sample storage facilities, an on-board autoclave, own power supply, satellite-linked communications and a range of other facilities.

Theuns Botha, Western Cape Minister of Health, travelled to Saarland, Germany, in July this year to sign the agreement on behalf of the Western Cape government.

You are invited to a photo opportunity with Minister Botha, the German consul, Hans-Werner Bussmann, and technicians of the Fraunhofer Institute.

Date: Thursday, 11 November 2010

Time: 15:30 - 16:30

Venue: Tygerberg Hospital

Directions: Take exit eighteen (18) from the N1 for Plattekloof Road toward M14/McIntyre Road. Turn right at Plattekloof Rd, continue onto Mc Intyre Rd. Go through one roundabout, turn left at Voortrekker Rd/R 102. Turn right at De La Rey Rd/Tierberg Rd. Continue to follow De La Rey Rd. Turn left at Francie Van Zijl Dr/M16. Continue to follow Francie Van Zijl Dr. Enter main entrance. Turn right at casualty sign. Continue straight down to stop street, turn left at stop street. Continue straight towards Protea house. The mobile lab will be on your right.

Note: RSVP Hélène Rossouw on 082 771 8834 or send an email to herossou@pgwc.gov.za