AGP Executive Report

Mental Health: Namibia recorded more than 100,000 mental-health service contacts in 2024/25, while its suicide rate remained above the African average. The government pledged annual funding increases, more treatment units and specialist training; the country currently has just four psychiatrists and two mental-health facilities. Cancer Care: Ongwediva’s new imaging centre plans to offer free breast screening through state hospitals this October. It has northern Namibia’s only mammography unit. The country recorded 4,205 new cancer cases and more than 2,000 deaths in 2024, renewing calls for early detection and compassionate palliative care. Children’s Heart Health: After successful operations during a specialist campaign at Windhoek Central Hospital, paediatric cardiologist Fenny Shidhika urged continued investment in local expertise and equipment so children can receive advanced care at home. Medicine Safety: Health officials also warned providers to carefully prescribe and monitor weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, and urged the public to avoid counterfeit products and unregulated self-medication.

Health Workforce: Namibia’s first paediatric cardiologist, Dr Fenny Shidhika, has resigned from the health ministry, citing humiliation and concerns about equitable care. A new call to bring skilled Namibians home—and retain those already here—spotlights wider staffing pressures. Palliative Care: Hope Based Healthcare Namibia says its home-care work has created 40 jobs and urges young people to consider the field, which supports people with serious illnesses and their families. Medicine Safety: The Health Ministry is urging careful prescribing and monitoring of weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, warning against counterfeit products, misinformation and self-medication. Student Training: NUST is discussing pathways and support with medical laboratory science students after an oversubscribed intake left practical placements and academic futures uncertain. Disease Control: Foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed on 17 farms in //Kharas, with 129 animal samples positive as of 6 October; authorities have stepped up surveillance and livestock movement controls. Mental Wellbeing: Olympic runner Roberto Mandje used Namibia’s leg of a seven-marathon African challenge to encourage people to find stigma-free ways to support their mental health.

Health Workforce: Namibia’s first paediatric cardiologist, Dr Fenny Shidhika, has resigned from the health ministry with immediate effect, citing humiliation and pressure to accept poor standards. Her departure raises fresh concern about specialist capacity and equitable access to care. Training Pipeline: NUST is meeting individually with medical laboratory science students affected by programme accreditation and practical-training problems, while students seek written guarantees about exams, records and future study options. Disease Update: As foot-and-mouth disease restrictions disrupt livestock and meat businesses, officials stress that the virus does not infect people and cannot be caught by eating meat. Water and Wellbeing: An Oshikoto family caring for four children with a rare condition has received help securing clean water, which their mother says is especially important for their care. In Windhoek, the First Gentleman called for better-coordinated programmes to support boys’ and men’s social, educational and mental wellbeing.

Paediatric Care: Namibia’s first paediatric cardiologist, Dr Fenny Shidhika, has resigned from the health ministry with immediate effect, citing humiliation and pressure to accept poor standards. Her departure raises concern about access to specialist heart care for children. Medical Training: NUST is working with medical laboratory science students on transfer options, practical placements and financial support amid accreditation and training-capacity problems. More than 120 students have petitioned for clarity on their studies and future qualifications. Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Cases have reached 127 across 15 farms, disrupting livestock movement, meat exports and livelihoods. Officials say the disease does not infect people, and meat from infected animals is safe to eat; vaccination is planned instead of culling. Men’s Wellbeing: Namibia’s First Gentleman is urging coordinated support for boys and men, pointing to fragmented programmes and poorer school outcomes among boys.

Mental Health: Namibia’s First Gentleman has highlighted a male mental health crisis and boys’ lagging academic performance, urging coordinated action under the country’s gender equality policy. Foot-and-Mouth Disease: With 127 cases recorded across 15 farms, government will vaccinate affected cattle rather than cull them; officials are stepping up containment as trade restrictions threaten the livestock sector. Health Workforce: NUST says it is discussing individual options and support for 173 affected medical laboratory sciences students, including transfers and case-by-case financial solutions. Health Services: A parliamentary committee says Kombat Clinic’s rented premises cost N$50,000 a month and lack air-conditioning in the pharmacy, and has called for a state-owned facility. Blood Donations: NamBTS is appealing for donors to help meet patient needs, including for childbirth complications, surgery, cancer and trauma care.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Namibia will vaccinate affected cattle rather than cull them, with about 100,000 doses being moved south. Cases have reached 127 across 15 farms, prompting tighter surveillance and movement controls. The outbreak has also led to EU meat restrictions and put jobs at Beefcor’s Okahandja abattoir at risk. Health Workforce: IPC is threatening legal action over the possible deregistration of 20 NUST medical laboratory sciences students, raising fresh concern about training future lab professionals. Health Facilities: A parliamentary committee says Kombat Clinic’s rented premises cost N$50,000 a month and calls for a state-owned facility. It also flagged Engela Hospital’s heavy maternity workload and lack of an intensive care unit. Blood Donation: NamBTS is urging the public to donate on Saturday in Windhoek, with blood needed for trauma patients, mothers and babies, surgery patients, and people with cancer and blood disorders.

Health Facilities: A parliamentary committee says Kombat Clinic’s rented premises cost N$50,000 a month and is calling for a permanent state clinic. Its wider review found Engela District Hospital handles about 5,000 births annually but has no intensive care unit. Animal Health: Foot-and-mouth disease cases reached 127 across 15 farms by 5 October, with more than 29,000 animals inspected. Namibia has stepped up surveillance and movement controls; the EU has temporarily suspended some fresh meat imports. The disease affects livestock, not human health. Medical Aid: Namibia’s seven medical aid funds held average reserves of 44.8%, above the 25% minimum, while membership rose to 226,777. Youth Wellbeing: The Capricorn Foundation pledged N$500,000 for programmes at the #BeFree Youth Campus, including wellness, education and skills initiatives expected to benefit about 2,400 young people.

FMD Response & Trade Impact: Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak is deepening, with surveillance reporting 127 confirmed cases across 15 farms in //Kharas and Cabinet approving a critical containment buffer zone, border fence repairs and veterinary cordon fencing; livestock auctions are expected to resume only after containment is proven, with South African experts due to meet Namibian officials on protocols. EU Meat Suspension: The EU has temporarily suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat (plus some processed products like biltong and jerky) from Namibia’s affected zone, while allowing certain highly treated products and shipments certified before Sept 23 under conditions—prompting EU buyers to seek alternative suppliers. Farmer Financial Pressure: Namibia Agricultural Union and Agribank are urging swift, transparent recovery steps to restore market access, while concerns grow over potential culling costs and losses. Health Sector Snapshot: Namibia’s private medical aid sector remains financially stable, with 226,777 members and reserves at 44.8% (above the 25% minimum), as claims and healthcare spending pressures continue. Public Health & Environment: Reusable nappies are being piloted in Kavango communities to cut plastic pollution in the Kavango River and reduce health risks from improper disposal. Mental Health & Safety: The Defence Force is stepping up suicide prevention and mental well-being efforts, urging early support and open conversations.

FMD & Livestock Health: The EU has temporarily suspended imports of fresh Namibian beef, sheep and goat meat—and some processed products like biltong and jerky—after foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed in the Karasburg State Veterinary District (Kharas). Public Health & Governance: Namibia’s Cabinet approved a critical containment buffer zone plan, including veterinary cordon fencing and repairs to the Namibia–Botswana border fence, as surveillance teams inspected 29,313 animals across 68 farms with 127 positives on 15 farms. Local Impact on Food Systems: Windhoek says slaughtering at informal markets remains prohibited and meat movement permits are suspended, with residents urged to follow FMD restrictions. Health Financing Watch: Namibia’s medical aid sector stayed financially stable in Q2 2026, with average reserves at 44.8% (above the 25% minimum), while membership rose to 226,777 and claims declined quarter-on-quarter. Access to Care & Inclusion: Namibia’s deaf community is calling for renewed parliamentary action to recognise Namibian Sign Language and provide sign language interpreters in parliament. Mental Health: The Defence Force stepped up suicide prevention and mental well-being efforts, urging early support for withdrawn or distressed personnel. Regional Health Diplomacy: Zambia plans to sign a revised US health deal without patient data-sharing clauses, after pushback on similar requirements across Africa.

FMD Response: Namibia’s FMD containment push is ramping up in //Kharas, with President Nandi-Ndaitwah reporting 127 positives on 15 farms after surveillance of 29,313 animals, plus 20 surveillance teams, 10 roadblocks, and a Critical Containment Response Plan including a buffer zone and border fence repairs. EU Trade Impact: The EU has temporarily suspended fresh meat and some processed products from Namibia’s previously FMD-free zone, while allowing certain pre-outbreak certified consignments into a 90-day window; EU officials say it’s precautionary and consistent with international standards. Livelihood Pressure: Farmers and butcheries are feeling the squeeze—workers placed on leave and businesses forced to sell only limited products as movement and slaughter restrictions bite. Financial Relief Signals: Agribank says repayment arrangements will be considered case-by-case for clients affected by the outbreak, urging affected farmers to approach the bank early. Public Health & Access: Namibia’s deaf community is calling for Namibian Sign Language recognition and sign language interpreters in parliament, saying lack of interpretation effectively excludes them from live proceedings. Child Safety Call: Children marked the Day of the Namibian Child urging safer homes, schools, and communities, highlighting violence, abuse, neglect, and bullying.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): Namibia’s FMD response is ramping up in //Kharas, with government saying it needs about N$190 million to contain the outbreak, including 290km of disease-control fencing and expanded surveillance, testing and movement controls. EU trade impact: The European Union temporarily suspended fresh meat imports from Namibia after the outbreak, while processed products with the strictest risk treatment can still enter. Biosecurity support: An FMD Support Fund has mobilised over N$1.5 million in biosecurity and field supplies for 30 veterinary teams. Local guidance for farmers: Farmers in //Kharas were warned not to do independent vaccination or disease-control actions, as vaccination will be introduced only within designated containment zones. Patient safety: The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its push for safe, respectful, patient-centred care during World Patient Safety Day. Mental health: Youth helped clean the Mental Health Unit ahead of World Mental Health Day. Public health risk: Windhoek’s Okahandja Park sanitation crisis persists, with residents reporting broken toilets and health concerns. Road safety: Police investigated multiple road incidents, including a fatal hit-and-run involving a one-year-old.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD): Namibia’s FMD response is ramping up in //Kharas, with the Ministry saying it needs about N$190.2m to contain the outbreak, including a 290km disease-control fence and intensified surveillance, testing and movement controls. Livelihood pressure: Even with the outbreak, farmers are still required to pay agricultural workers the national minimum wage (N$14/hour from 1 January, rising to N$18/hour next year), with no exemption announced yet. FMD support: The FMD Support Fund has mobilised over N$1.5m in biosecurity and field equipment for 30 veterinary teams. Public health & sanitation: In Windhoek’s Okahandja Park, residents report dysfunctional public toilets and worsening conditions, with some allegedly locking facilities after years of neglect—raising health and dignity concerns. Patient safety: The Ministry of Health and Social Services reaffirmed its commitment to safe, respectful, patient-centred care during World Patient Safety Day, stressing systems, complaints handling and patient experience. Mental health: Youth cleaned a mental health facility ahead of World Mental Health Day (10 October), calling for stigma-free support. Violence and road safety: Police are investigating multiple incidents, including alleged rape of minors in Maltahöhe and road crashes that injured or killed children. Breast cancer: Cancer Association of Namibia urges breast cancer patients to share their stories, highlighting that every journey is unique. Health system strain: MPs report severe facility problems across regions, including stalled projects, sanitation gaps and ambulance shortages.

Patient Safety: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services reaffirmed its pledge to safe, respectful, quality, patient-centred care at World Patient Safety Day 2026, highlighting tools like the Patient Charter, complaint procedures, clinical and death audits, and patient experience surveys. Mental Health: Youth in Windhoek cleaned the ministry’s mental health facility ahead of World Mental Health Day (10 October), as Namibia reports high mental health admissions and deaths linked to stigma and access barriers. FMD & Health System Strain: Foot-and-mouth disease continues to disrupt services and livelihoods, while a parliamentary probe paints a grim picture of public healthcare under pressure—tents for patients, unfinished projects, shortages, and poor sanitation. Community Resilience: Windhoek began assessing heavy rainfall flooding after stormwater runoff affected homes and sent one person to hospital; residents were urged to stay cautious around river crossings. Public Health Risk: A rabies outbreak investigation story traced a mysterious case to a surprising source, underscoring the need for rapid animal-bite response and surveillance. Access to Care: Oshana region reported continued support for health services, including sanitation upgrades at Kavango West health facilities. Breast Cancer Support: Breast cancer patients were urged to share their stories, with Cancer Association of Namibia stressing that every journey is unique and needs listening and timely, quality care.