AGP Executive Report

Neonatal Care Boost: Swakopmund District Hospital has opened a new N$30.5m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with 28 beds, including high-care and intensive care, plus a Mother’s Lodge—aimed at cutting referrals to Windhoek and improving survival for premature and sick newborns. Accountability in Health Services: Namibia’s Ministry of Health launched a complaints management system with a standard operating procedure for receiving, documenting and resolving patient and public concerns at facilities nationwide. Tobacco & Vaping Alarm: WHO warns nicotine use among Namibian teens is being actively targeted by the tobacco and vape industry; 2024 survey data shows 23% of 13–17-year-olds use vaping products. Disability Barriers: Youth with Disability says persistent gaps in employment, education, healthcare and services keep people with disabilities out of the labour market, despite high youth unemployment. Malaria Rising: Malaria is gaining ground in southern Africa as climate shifts change rainfall and temperatures, raising transmission risk. Migration Bill Consultations: Namibia’s public consultations on a New Migration Bill have concluded, with plans for more digital visa/permit services and real-time case tracking. Road Safety Debate: Windhoek’s speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass sparked criticism as reactive and harmful to traffic flow and commuter safety. Wellness at Work: Old Mutual Namibia hosted the Vice President at its newly launched Wellness Centre, highlighting preventative and holistic employee health services.

Mental Health Law Update: Namibia’s National Assembly has adopted a mental health amendment bill to replace the 1973 Mental Health Act, with a stronger rights-based approach, tougher rules on restraint and seclusion, and a push for suicide prevention and community-based care. Cancer Warning: Health Minister Esperance Luvindao says Namibia could see over 6,300 new cancer cases annually by 2045—an 84% jump—citing late diagnosis and limited rural screening and treatment access. Medicine Supply Shock: Namibia faces its first major pharmaceutical shortage in 36 years after procurement was suspended over fraud, theft, and stock-data manipulation. Health Workforce Funding Pressure: NSFAF rejected funding for more than 200 Namibian students abroad in health-related fields, saying their courses are not on priority lists—raising fears for future doctor and specialist shortages. Community Care Training Deal: Welwitchia University and Hope Home-Based Health Care signed an agreement to strengthen nursing and social work student placements, supervision, and practical training. Men’s Mental Health Push: Psychologist Ceaseria Mutau and activist Fillemon Amoolongo warn stigma and unequal access are driving mental distress “in silence,” with services concentrated in cities. Wellness at Work: Namibia’s Vice President urged workplaces to create wellness spaces, highlighting Old Mutual’s centre as a model for preventative support during stressful workdays. Housing & Sanitation Emergency Moves: Government declared housing and sanitation national emergencies and fast-tracked sanitation funding (N$34m), aiming to improve dignity and public health across all constituencies. Road Safety Debate: Opposition MPs and road experts criticised speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass as reactive and potentially dangerous, calling for safer pedestrian bridges instead. Boys’ Education Gap: First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah urged action on boys falling behind in education, citing graduation and dropout statistics and linking it to future health and leadership outcomes. Criminal Justice & Child Safety: A Noordoewer child-rape trial verdict is set for September after closing arguments, with the court postponing judgement. Healthcare Oversight & Corruption Probe: The Anti-Corruption Commission summoned a ministry of health bid committee member over allegations of procurement manipulation and medicine theft. Indigenous Health & Wellbeing: Coverage highlights ongoing challenges for Hai//om San communities, including marginalisation and loss of ancestral land, with calls for practical solutions.

Cancer Control Push: WHO, IAEA and IARC launched a five-day Cancer Impact Review Mission in Namibia to assess prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and cancer financing—coming as Health Minister Esperance Luvindao warns cases could jump 84% to over 6,300 annually by 2045. Neonatal Care Upgrade: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a new N$30m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to cut neonatal mortality and bring advanced care closer to families. Mental Health Law Update: Namibia’s National Assembly adopted a mental health amendment bill to replace the 1973 act, with stronger rights-based protections, community care, tighter rules on restraint/seclusion, and suicide prevention. Health System Integrity: The Anti-Corruption Commission summoned a ministry of health bid committee member over alleged procurement manipulation and pharmaceutical stock theft. Medicine Supply Shock: Namibia faces its first major pharmaceutical shortage in 36 years after procurement was suspended over fraud, theft and stock-data manipulation. Workplace Wellness: The Vice President urged employers to create wellness spaces, pointing to Old Mutual’s centre as a model for preventative support. Training Partnerships: Welwitchia University and Hope Home-Based Health Care signed an MoU to strengthen nursing and social work student placements and community-based care. Fitness & Nutrition Outreach: Windhoek hosts the NamFitness Expo (3–4 July) with screenings, nutrition testing and wellness talks. Funding Pressure on Health Students: NSFAF rejected funding for over 200 medical/health-adjacent students abroad, citing non-priority study fields. Public Health Infrastructure: Government fast-tracked sanitation rollout after allocating N$34m, targeting dignity and improved toilet access nationwide.

Cancer fight ramps up: Namibia’s health ministry says cancer cases could jump 84% by 2045, with more than 6,300 new cases annually, as the WHO/IAEA/IARC imPACT Review Mission launches to assess prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and financing. Neonatal care gets a boost: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a new N$30m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to cut neonatal mortality and bring specialised care closer to families in Erongo. Mental health law updated: The National Assembly adopted a mental health amendment bill to replace the 1973 act, with stronger patient protections, community-based care and suicide prevention focus. Health procurement probe: Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission summons a ministry of health Bid Evaluation Committee member over alleged pharmaceutical supply chain fraud and theft. Public health pressure points: Government fast-tracks sanitation and housing with N$34m earmarked for urgent rollout, while officials warn delayed diagnoses and rural screening gaps are worsening cancer outcomes. Workplace wellness push: The Vice President urged workplaces to create wellness spaces, citing the Old Mutual Wellness Centre as a model for preventative support. Road safety debate: Windhoek speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass draw criticism from road experts, with concerns about visibility and congestion near Katutura Hospital. Training and care partnerships: Hope Home-Based Health Care signed an MoU with Welwitschia University to place students for practical training and strengthen home-based cancer support.

Cancer Care Push: WHO, IAEA and IARC launched a Namibia cancer impact review mission, with Health Minister Esperance Luvindao warning cases could jump 84% to over 6,300 new cases annually by 2045 unless prevention, early detection and treatment improve. Neonatal Survival Boost: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a new N$30m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to cut neonatal mortality and reduce the need for families to travel for specialised care. Medicines Under Scrutiny: Namibia faces its first major pharmaceutical shortage in 36 years after government suspended procurement over fraud, theft and stock-data manipulation, raising urgent supply concerns. Health System Accountability: The Anti-Corruption Commission summoned a ministry of health and social services tender committee official in a “health rot” probe involving alleged procurement manipulation and theft of medicines. Training for Home-Based Cancer Care: Hope Home-Based Health Care signed an MoU with Welwitschia University to expand practical training for nursing and social work students supporting cancer patients. Public Health Infrastructure: Government fast-tracked sanitation planning after allocating N$34m, targeting gaps that leave many households without basic toilet access. Road Safety and Health: Windhoek began installing speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass after pedestrian-related crashes, while police confirmed fatalities in a B2 accident. Malaria Warning (Region): Southern Africa faces rising malaria risk as climate shifts, with Mpumalanga in South Africa seeing a sharp increase—an alert for Namibia’s preparedness.

Cancer care boost: WHO launched a Cancer Impact Review Mission in Namibia to assess prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and cancer financing—aiming to strengthen national cancer control. Newborn survival upgrade: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a modern N$30m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with 28 beds to cut neonatal mortality and reduce the need for families to travel to Windhoek. Training for home-based cancer support: Hope Home-Based Health Care and Welwitschia University signed an MoU for student placements and practical training to strengthen home-based nursing, caregiving, and palliative care. Public health and prevention focus: A report highlights malaria’s spread in southern Africa as climate shifts, with heavier rains and warmer temperatures driving mosquito breeding and rising cases. Child protection concerns: Windhoek raised alarms over migrant Angolan children begging on city streets, calling for coordinated action to protect vulnerable children and address exploitation risks. Road safety near hospitals: Speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass started amid debate, with an early collision reported shortly after installation. Maternal support donation: One Economy Foundation donated maternal and infant care items to Penehupifo Pohamba, alongside recent outreach providing sexual and reproductive health services.

Gender & Media: Namibia’s National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged media houses to report fairly on women in leadership, saying coverage often fixates on controversy and personal conduct instead of work and achievements—warning this can erode public confidence and discourage women from public life. Maternal & Child Health: One Economy Foundation donated N$30,000 in maternal and infant care supplies to former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba, alongside an outreach that provided sexual and reproductive health services to 350+ people in Ohangwena. Neonatal Care Upgrade: Erongo opened a new N$50m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Swakopmund District Hospital, adding intensive and high-care beds plus a mothers’ lodge to support bonding and breastfeeding. Kidney Treatment Access: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients, reducing long-distance travel for chronic kidney disease and acute renal failure care. Road Safety in Windhoek: Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass speed humps are now in place, with early reports of a collision soon after installation—highlighting ongoing debate over safety and effectiveness. Public Health & Climate: Southern Africa faces a malaria surge linked to shifting climate patterns, with heavier rains and warmer temperatures boosting mosquito breeding and transmission risk. Jobs & Community Services: President Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the newly opened Goreangab Mall in Katutura as a jobs and services boost, citing 300 construction jobs and nearly 400 permanent roles. Animal Health (FMD Risk): The Livestock Producers Organisation urged strict biosecurity and compliance to protect Namibia’s livestock sector and export markets as foot-and-mouth disease remains a border threat. Baby Protection: Traditional leaders in northern Namibia called for safe baby adoption options at palaces instead of dumping, after recent cases of abandoned infants.

Malaria Alert: Malaria is surging in southern Africa as climate shifts change rain and temperatures. In South Africa’s Mpumalanga, cases jumped fourfold in January, and even Gauteng recorded hundreds of cases and deaths—raising alarm for the push to eliminate malaria by 2029. Road Safety: Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass will get speed humps, with one lane closed at a time between the Katutura Hospital area and the Lafrenz Interchange, after an increase in pedestrian crashes. Health Access: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients in Erongo, reducing travel to private facilities and easing pressure from rising kidney disease. Public Health & Waste: Oshikoto’s disposable nappies are becoming a waste problem, with limited disposal options driving illegal dumping and pollution. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Namibia’s livestock sector is urged to tighten biosecurity to protect export markets as foot-and-mouth disease risk continues. UN Humanitarian Watch: UN missions report Cuba’s hospitals are suspending surgeries due to medicine shortages and power outages, with more than 100,000 patients waiting. Crime & Safety: Police confirm two fatalities in a B2 road crash near Swakopmund and Arandis, and investigations continue into rape and murder cases in Grootfontein.

Pension Safety Net: Over 15,000 Namibian pensioners have had old-age grants suspended after missing a mandatory verification step, leaving many turned away at payout points and struggling to access basic needs. Public Health Access: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients in Erongo, cutting the need for long trips to private facilities. Child & Maternal Welfare: Namibia’s Child Care and Protection Act allows safe baby abandonment at designated places without criminal charges, but commentators warn implementation readiness and public awareness are still unclear. Road Safety: Roads Authority speed humps are being installed on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass and parts of the A1 to reduce pedestrian fatalities, with lane closures and delays expected. Community Health & Nutrition: A vision screening and eyewear initiative in Kunene provided corrective glasses to nearly 500 residents, improving sight in remote conservancies. Waste & Environment: Oshikoto faces growing pollution from disposable nappies, with limited disposal options driving illegal dumping and littering. Health Policy & Trust: The Ministry of Home Affairs warns against citizenship misinformation, stressing that citizenship and national documents require legal assessment and that birth in Namibia alone doesn’t automatically qualify. Livestock Biosecurity: LPO urges farmers to tighten foot-and-mouth disease biosecurity at borders and farms to protect export access.

Pension Access Crisis: Over 15,000 Namibian pensioners have had old-age grants suspended after missing a mandatory verification step, leaving many turned away at payout points and struggling to buy essentials. Health Services Expansion: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients in Erongo, reducing long travel to private facilities as chronic kidney disease and acute renal failure remain major challenges. Road Safety & Public Health: Roads Authority speed humps are being installed on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass near Katutura State Hospital and on the A1 south of the city to cut pedestrian fatalities and slow traffic. Maternal & Child Protection: Namibia’s Child Care and Protection Act is being discussed in the context of “safe abandonment” for newborns, with concerns raised about whether facilities and social support are ready in practice. Community Eye Care: A mobile eyewear programme in Kunene provided corrective glasses to nearly 500 residents and conservancy members, improving daily functioning in remote areas. Food & Cost Pressure: Tiger Brands warns some food prices may rise as fuel, logistics and input costs squeeze manufacturers. Citizenship Misinformation: MHAISS urges the public to rely on official sources, warning against false claims about citizenship and national document issuance.

Dialysis Access: A new state dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 Erongo patients, cutting long travel to private facilities as chronic kidney disease and acute renal failure remain major burdens. Medicine Supply: Namibia’s health ministry says it’s tackling recurring essential medicine shortages with stricter stock rules (minimum 14 months for medicines until next refill) and a strengthened system for real-time monitoring across regions. Public Tariffs Clarification: The ministry denies it raised public healthcare tariffs to match private rates, saying PSEMAS tariff authority sits with the Ministry of Finance. Eye Care Outreach: A mobile vision screening and eyewear programme in Kunene has provided corrective glasses to nearly 500 residents and conservancy members, improving sight in remote communities. Road Safety: Roads Authority speed humps are being installed on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass and parts of the A1 to reduce pedestrian fatalities, with lane closures during construction. Gender & Media: Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged fairer media portrayal of women, warning biased coverage can erode confidence and discourage women from public life. Animal Health & FMD: The Livestock Producers Organisation urges farmers to tighten biosecurity and follow animal health rules as foot-and-mouth disease risk persists at borders.

Maternal & Neonatal Care: UNAM and Idaho State University’s advanced life skills training is in its final phase in Namibia’s Zambezi region, equipping midwives to cut maternal and neonatal deaths through hands-on emergency management and early warning signs. Medicine Supply: Namibia’s Ministry of Health says it’s tackling recurring shortages by enforcing minimum medicine stock levels (14 months for most, eight months for critical items) and strengthening real-time stock monitoring across facilities. Mpox Alert: Namibia has confirmed mpox in Swakopmund, with an isolated patient reported stable and rapid response steps underway, including surveillance and contact tracing. Road Safety: Roads Authority is installing speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass and parts of the A1 to reduce pedestrian fatalities, with lane closures during construction. Health System Costs: The health ministry denies it raised public healthcare tariffs to match private rates, saying tariff authority for PSEMAS sits with the Ministry of Finance. Sports & Wellness: Namibia’s Commonwealth Games team for Glasgow was unveiled (23 athletes, 39 delegation total), with medical personnel included—highlighting the link between performance and health support.

Road Safety & Public Health: Roads Authority is installing speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass (near Katutura Hospital to Lafrenz) and on the A1 (Prosperita to Windhoek Country Club) to cut pedestrian-related crashes, with one lane closed at a time during works. Mpox Alert: Namibia’s health ministry has confirmed an mpox outbreak in Swakopmund, with an isolated patient in stable condition and contact tracing and surveillance activated. Medicines Access: The health ministry says it’s tackling recurring essential medicine shortages by enforcing minimum stock levels (14 months for medicines, 8 months for critical items) and strengthening real-time stock monitoring. Labour Rights: TUCNA is urging urgent labour law reforms after Namibia was flagged as a regular violator of workers’ rights in the 2026 ITUC Global Rights Index. Youth SRHR: Germany funds N$1.9m for NAPPA’s “Pamwe” project to expand youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services and reduce teenage pregnancy in Kavango, Kunene and Omusati. Managed Care Focus: A managed care push is being framed as a way to coordinate care and support long-term conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Sports & Wellness: NNOC has named Namibia’s 23-athlete Commonwealth Games team for Glasgow, supported by medical personnel and technical staff.

Mpox Watch: Namibia’s Ministry of Health confirmed a first mpox case in Swakopmund, with the patient in stable condition and isolation underway; contact tracing and national surveillance have been activated as officials investigate possible cross-border links. Maternal & Newborn Care: UNAM and Idaho State University’s advanced life skills training for midwives in the Zambezi region is in its final phase, aiming to cut maternal and neonatal deaths through hands-on emergency care practice. Youth Sexual Health: Germany funded Namibia Planned Parenthood Association’s “Pamwe” project (N$1.9m) to expand youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services and tackle teenage pregnancy in Kavango, Kunene and Omusati. Emergency Response Upgrade: Emergency and Medical Assistance (EMA) joined the European Emergency Number Association to strengthen Namibia’s 9112 hotline and improve dispatch and emergency care training. Health System Accountability: A missing man case from Tsumkwe highlights gaps in follow-up and records after transfer to Katutura Hospital, leaving family members without clarity on what happened. Medicines Governance: Namibia’s National Assembly questioned the appointment process for the Pharmacists Registrar, including whether the post should have been advertised and what consultations were followed. Road Safety Near Hospitals: Roads Authority will install speed humps on parts of the B1 Western Bypass and A1 in Khomas after pedestrian-related crashes near key routes. Private Sector Health: Mediclinic reported strong results amid restructuring, including plans for Remgro to acquire full ownership of Mediclinic Southern Africa, covering Namibia operations. Public Health Infrastructure: Zambia launched a second round of nOPV2 polio vaccination in Isoka District to protect children under five against circulating variant poliovirus type 2.

Maternal health training: UNAM and Idaho State University’s advanced life skills programme for midwives is in its final phase in Namibia’s Zambezi region, aiming to cut maternal and neonatal deaths with hands-on emergency care and early warning signs for newborn breathing problems. Youth sexual health: Germany has funded Namibia Planned Parenthood Association’s “Pamwe” project (N$1.9m) to expand youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services in Kavango, Kunene and Omusati, targeting teenage pregnancy with sexuality education and menstrual health support. Emergency care upgrade: Emergency and Medical Assistance (EMA) has joined the European Emergency Number Association to strengthen Namibia’s emergency communications and improve training for its 9112 hotline and ambulance dispatch. Nursing workforce pressure: The Namibia Nurses Union warns that an oversupply of private nursing graduates is driving unemployment and weakening clinical training quality as private colleges increase intake faster than health sector jobs grow. Pharmacy governance question: Namibia’s National Assembly heard concerns about the Registrar of Pharmacists post not being advertised, with the Health Minister saying consultations and legal guidance were followed. Road safety: Roads Authority plans speed humps on parts of the B1 Western Bypass and A1 road in Khomas after pedestrian-related crashes and fatalities. Mental health for soldiers: IPC calls for stronger mental health support, welfare and housing improvements for Namibian Defence Force personnel after two deaths at military bases. Polio vaccination (Zambia): Isoka District launched a second round of nOPV2 to protect children under five against circulating variant polio type 2. Congenital heart disease gap: A new World Heart Federation report highlights widening inequalities in congenital heart disease care, with low-income countries facing far higher mortality and limited access to infant heart surgery. Domestic violence trial: An Otavi man accused of stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death pleaded not guilty in Windhoek High Court. Traditional leadership dispute: Community members in Khomanin seek removal of a chief, citing land sales and misuse of community donations, raising questions about how the Traditional Authorities Act is applied.

Emergency Care Upgrade: Namibia’s EMA has joined the European Emergency Number Association (EENA), aiming to strengthen its Windhoek Emergency Control Centre and improve 9112 call handling, life-saving phone guidance, and faster ambulance dispatch. Mental Health for Soldiers: IPC is calling for stronger mental health support, better housing and welfare after two NDF deaths at bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi, highlighting loneliness, anxiety and depression risks. Polio Prevention (Zambia): Isoka District launched a second round of nOPV2 polio vaccination for under-fives after cVDPV2 was detected in Lusaka’s sewer system, with health workers targeting households and children over four days. Sexual & Reproductive Health Funding: Germany (N$1.9m) backed Namibia Planned Parenthood’s “Pamwe” project to reduce teenage pregnancy and expand youth-friendly SRHR services in Kavango, Kunene and Omusati. Nursing Workforce Pressure: Namibia Nurses Union warns that private nursing colleges are producing an oversupply of graduates, worsening nurse unemployment and straining clinical training quality. Health System Accountability: In Otjozondjupa, a missing man transferred to Katutura Hospital in 2019 is confirmed dead, but records don’t show what happened to his remains. Pharmacy Governance: In Parliament, AMUPANDA questioned the pharmacists registrar appointment process, including whether the post was advertised.