AGP Executive Report

Mental Health & Training: MP Willem Amutenya urged health training institutions to expand mental health courses to meet the new Mental Health Act’s push for integrating mental health into primary care and community services, warning Namibia has too few psychiatrists and community health workers. Health Regulation & Accountability: The Health Professions Council of Namibia gazetted new Health Professions Act regulations on how notices and subpoenas must be served on registered practitioners, and on authorising practitioners to work in government employment. Disease Surveillance Boost: Namibia received a portable mobile laboratory donated by Russia to speed up sample transport and strengthen outbreak diagnosis and response, with local staff training included. Local Health System Pressure: A report highlights ongoing medicine shortages in public hospitals and clinics, calling for better planning and execution to address drug and vaccine gaps. Wellness & Stigma: Namibia marked World Vitiligo Day with plans for the country’s first vitiligo research and a national patient support group to tackle myths and isolation. Education for Health & Well-being: ECU launched a new College of Health and Human Sciences by merging allied health and health performance programmes, starting with about 4,600 students. Health Workforce & Access: A story on vitiligo stigma and another on mental health awareness among police officers both point to growing demand for practical support, counselling, and public education.

Health Regulation Update: Namibia’s health ministry has gazetted new Health Professions Act rules on how official notices and subpoenas must be served on registered practitioners, including delivery to residences/businesses, authorised representatives, email and SMS. Workforce & Safety Oversight: The ministry is investigating claims that licensed doctors are leaving interns in charge of health facilities, with plans for more frequent and surprise inspections. Public Service Accountability: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare urged executive directors to fix weak implementation and accountability, warning that unfinished projects like clinics and hospitals are wasting public money and delaying essential services. Disease Surveillance Boost: Namibia received a portable mobile laboratory from Russia to speed up sample transport and strengthen outbreak detection and response, with local staff training underway. Health Access & Wellness: Namibia’s NamFitness Expo returns in Windhoek (3–4 July) with fitness, mental wellness and health screenings. Health Coverage & Governance: The Namibia Health Plan says it improved its financial position and governance, reporting a 2025 surplus and stronger reserves as it moves toward Universal Care. Community Health Tragedy: A mother of seven, Elizabeth Stuurman, died after a difficult pregnancy and lack of transport for follow-up care, leaving seven children behind. Policy & Implementation Watch: Civil society is pushing for stronger self-regulation and better monitoring as Namibia implements the African Peer Review Mechanism, including expanded areas like disaster resilience and e-governance.

Mobile health capacity: Namibia’s MoHSS received a portable mobile laboratory donated by Russia to speed up sample transport, boost outbreak-site testing, and strengthen disease surveillance and response. Polio vigilance: Health officials say Namibia reached over 90% coverage in its polio response, but some children were missed—prompting calls for tighter microplanning, logistics, cold chain, surveillance, and accountability. Care quality under scrutiny: The health ministry is investigating claims that licensed doctors are leaving interns in charge of facilities, with surprise inspections planned. Stigma and skin health: Namibia is tackling vitiligo stigma, with plans for the country’s first research into the condition and a national patient support group. Wellness on the ground: The NamFitness Expo & Conference returns to Windhoek (3–4 July) with health screenings, wellness talks, and fitness activations. Education for health futures: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a digital learning initiative for 500,000+ people across six African countries, including Namibia. Mental health focus: Omaheke police held a conference on men’s mental health, resilience, and suicide prevention. Health system governance: Namibia’s NHP says it strengthened finances and governance, reporting a 2025 surplus and improved reserves. Health workforce pressure: Namibia’s growing graduate unemployment—especially in education and nursing—highlights mismatches between training and labour market demand.

Repatriation & Reintegration: Namibia has launched a voluntary programme to bring about 1,000 citizens back from South Africa, with regions preparing reception sites (including community halls) and plans covering school placements, healthcare support and job referrals. Skin Health & Stigma: Namibia is moving to tackle vitiligo myths after experts said stigma is isolating patients; plans include the country’s first vitiligo research and a national patient support group. Health System Oversight: The Ministry of Health is investigating allegations that doctors are leaving interns in charge of facilities, with surprise inspections and regulatory reviews planned. Polio Update: Namibia’s polio response reached over 90% coverage, but officials admit some children were missed, pointing to gaps in microplanning, logistics, cold chain and community engagement that need tighter follow-up. Mental Health for Men: Omaheke police held a “strong men, healthy minds” conference, highlighting stress, depression, burnout and suicide prevention, and urging men to seek help. Healthcare Access in Practice: The ministry says transport shortages are preventing some districts from reaching mobile clinics and community health posts, affecting consistent service delivery. Community Health & Training: NUST agriculture students completed a beekeeping internship with practical hive inspections, linking beekeeping to pollination and sustainable food systems. Disability Advocacy: A disability rights leader says decisions must include the voices of persons with disabilities, pushing for inclusion and equal opportunities.

Polio response update: Namibia’s Ministry of Health says it has interrupted cVDPV2 transmission after reaching over 90% vaccination coverage, but also admitted some children were missed—highlighting gaps in microplanning, team deployment, vaccine logistics, cold chain, surveillance, community engagement, and data quality. Health system oversight: The ministry is investigating allegations that licensed doctors are leaving interns in charge of health facilities, with plans for more frequent, surprise inspections and a review of regulatory gaps. Private healthcare governance: Namibia Health Plan (NHP) says it has strengthened finances and governance after its 2026 AGM, reporting 2025 insurance revenue of over N$2.28 billion, a surplus of N$197.8 million, and improved solvency, alongside new trustees. Access barriers to care: Health officials say transport shortages are preventing some districts from visiting mobile clinics and community health posts, risking inconsistent service delivery in remote areas. Disability inclusion: NOYD chair Orben Muluti renewed the call for “nothing about us without us,” pushing for stronger inclusion and partnerships for persons with disabilities. Community health needs: Remote Ju/’hoansi San communities near Gobabis say long distances to clinics and unreliable ambulance services are forcing reliance on traditional remedies, and they want a closer facility.

Polio Update: Namibia says it has interrupted transmission of circulating vaccine-derived polio type 2 after a nationwide push that reached over 90% of targeted children, with health officials reporting no cVDPV2 detected since 4 March 2026. Mobile Clinics & Access: The Ministry of Health admits some districts can’t reach mobile clinics and community health posts due to transport shortages, threatening consistent care in remote areas. Health Safety Concerns: Usakos residents report health impacts from smoke after a recent fire and question the town council’s fire response capacity after delays repairing a fire truck. Medicine Theft Probe: A Congolese national was arrested in Otjiwarongo over suspected stolen hospital medicines linked to Otjiwarongo State Hospital. Mental Health & Suicide: A national crisis is highlighted by police figures showing at least 122 suicides since the start of the year, with men making up the majority of cases. Community Health Access: Remote Ju/’hoansi San families in Donkerbos rely on traditional remedies because clinics and hospitals are far away and ambulance services are unreliable. Governance & Care Funding: Namibia’s private medical aid fund NHP reports improved finances and strengthens its board after appointing new trustees.

Health Security: Namibia arrested a Congolese street vendor over suspected stolen medicines linked to Otjiwarongo State Hospital, raising alarms about medicine theft and supply integrity. Emergency Response & Public Health: Usakos residents say fire truck repair delays and weak response capacity worsened health impacts after a blaze, with smoke lingering and forcing mask use. Mental Health: A national suicide crisis is highlighted by police figures showing at least 122 suicides since the year began, with men making up the vast majority—calling for compassion, not silence. Immunisation Update: Namibia halted polio vaccinations after reaching a 90% target, reporting no cVDPV2 detected since 4 March 2026 following a rapid nationwide campaign. Access to Care: The Ministry of Health says transport shortages are preventing some districts from reaching mobile clinics and community health posts, risking inconsistent service delivery. Health System Strengthening: Khomas reports major HIV progress (95% awareness) and over N$59.2m in health infrastructure upgrades, including expanded clinical services. Misinformation Risk: The health ministry warns that AI-generated misinformation—especially about HIV treatment—can undermine trust and delay care, urging people to use official sources. Community Health Outreach: Remote Gainatseb residents received direct services including medical consultations and birth certificate applications during a stakeholder engagement.

Mental Health & Care Access: Namibia’s mental health reform is moving forward after the Mental Health Amendment Bill passed, but reports of patients lacking medication at state hospitals show the system still needs urgent delivery. Public Health Integrity: The Ministry of Health warns that AI-generated misinformation is spreading fast, especially around HIV treatment, and urges people to rely on official sources. HIV Progress in Khomas: Khomas reports 95% HIV status awareness, with major hospital and clinic upgrades and strong ART and viral suppression figures nearing Fast-Track targets. Medicine Supply & Procurement: A health ministry procurement committee blocked a proposed N$1b medicine buy without a public tender, citing abuse risks as hospitals and clinics face shortages. Digital Health: A push for digital queue management aims to cut long waiting times and improve access to medication. Water & Wellness: A data-driven look highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, underlining the health impact of water insecurity. Community Health Infrastructure: Khomas and other regions report ongoing upgrades, including 24-hour services at health centres. Violence & Safety: A Windhoek rape survivor shared how assault derailed education and motherhood, while a separate Okahandja domestic dispute led to a boyfriend being stabbed and hospitalised.

HIV & Health Services: Khomas reports 95% HIV status awareness and near Fast-Track progress, with 94% of diagnosed patients on antiretrovirals and 98% achieving viral suppression, alongside major hospital and clinic upgrades and new 24-hour services. Public Health & Safety: The Ministry of Health warns that AI-generated misinformation is spreading fast, including false claims about HIV treatment, urging people to use official sources. Mental Health Care: Namibia’s mental health reform is moving forward after the Mental Health Amendment Bill passed, but coverage also highlights a painful medication shortage in some state facilities, leaving patients without treatment. Medicine Supply & Governance: A N$1b health tender meant to fix medicine shortages was blocked from bypassing public tender rules, with concerns raised about abuse in emergency procurement. Water Access: A data-driven map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for millions globally, underlining the scale of the clean-water challenge. Community Health & Youth: Namibia launches a School Sports for Development programme with UNICEF support, aiming to build healthier, more resilient learners. Rural Health Access: Gainatseb residents in Kamanjab received direct services, including medical consultations and help applying for birth certificates. Violence & Trauma: A Windhoek rape survivor shared how assault derailed her education and motherhood journey, while in Swakopmund a 20-year-old died after a bar stabbing and in Okahandja a woman was arrested after allegedly stabbing her boyfriend. Food & Wellness Skills: The #BeFree Grow Gardening Project harvested its first crops to support youth food security and nutritious meals.

HIV & Health Services in Khomas: Khomas reports 95% HIV status awareness and progress toward Fast-Track targets, including 94% of diagnosed people on antiretroviral treatment and 98% viral suppression, alongside major hospital and clinic upgrades and new 24-hour services. Public Health Integrity: Namibia’s Ministry of Health warns that AI-generated misinformation is spreading fast, especially around HIV treatment, urging people to use official channels and noting ongoing monitoring and debunking. Medicine Shortage Governance: A health ministry procurement standoff has blocked a proposed N$1b medicine buy without a public tender, with concerns raised about abuse risks in emergency procurement. Mental Health Care Under Strain: Namibia’s mental health reform push is gaining momentum, but reporting highlights medication gaps at some state hospitals, raising fears that treatment interruptions could worsen outcomes. Water Access Focus: A new global map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underlining the scale of Namibia’s clean-water challenge. Animal Health Policy Clarity: The agriculture ministry denies claims that the Veterinary Cordon Fence (“Red Line”) removal is impossible, reiterating gradual removal only after disease-control systems are strengthened. Community Health via Sport & Youth: Namibia launches a School Sports for Development programme with UNICEF support, aiming to build healthier learners and life skills through physical activity. Domestic Violence Incident: A woman was arrested after allegedly stabbing her boyfriend in Okahandja, who is receiving hospital treatment. Food Security for Youth: The #BeFree Grow Gardening Project celebrates its first harvest, supplying crops for a meals programme supporting vulnerable young people.

Public Health Watch: The Ministry of Health and Social Services is warning Namibians about AI-generated misinformation that could mislead people on HIV treatment and other health issues, urging the public to verify claims through official channels. Health System & Access: Khomas reports major progress, including 95% HIV status awareness and improvements at Katutura Intermediate Hospital, Windhoek District Hospital, and health centres—plus 24-hour clinical services and expanded doctor availability. Medicine Supply & Governance: A N$1 billion health tender meant to address medicine shortages was blocked from bypassing public tender rules, with concerns raised about high-risk emergency procurement and possible process abuse. Mental Health Reform Under Strain: Namibia’s mental health amendment bill is moving forward after the National Assembly passed it, but reporting highlights severe medication shortages at state hospitals, leaving patients without treatment. Digital Health & Queues: A call is made to replace long manual queues with digital patient profiles and ticketing systems to speed up registration, consultations, and medication collection. Water & Wellness: A data map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions globally, underlining the health impact of unsafe water access. Youth & Wellness Through Sport: Namibia launched the School Sports for Development programme with UNICEF support, aiming to build healthier, more resilient learners through physical education and life skills. Community Health Investment: The President warned investors they may face a law compelling community development contributions if they don’t do so voluntarily, including building clinics and hospitals.

Digital Health & Access: Namibia is looking at digital health access to cut long medication queues in hospitals and clinics, where manual ticketing and poor queue systems can mean hours of waiting and worse health outcomes. Food Security & Youth Wellness: The #BeFree Grow Gardening Project has celebrated its first harvest, with young participants producing crops like corn, spinach and potatoes to support the #BeFree Meals Programme for youth at the #BeFree Youth Campus. School Sport for Health: Namibia launched the School Sports for Development programme to promote healthier lifestyles, inclusion and life skills through physical education, with UNICEF support. Health Services Funding: Namibia and China signed an RMB 200 million (about N$486 million) grant to expand school infrastructure, healthcare services and community water supply. Public Health Governance: The Ministry of Agriculture says gradual removal of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (“Red Line”) remains government policy, citing animal health and trade considerations. Workplace Wellbeing: NBC and Namibia Medical Care hosted a wellness day for employees focused on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Education & Health Capacity: UNICEF and US donors visited Tsumkwe, including the clinic, to assess needs in a marginalised community.

Water safety & health: A new local discussion on where Windhoek-area water comes from highlights risks linked to aging pipes and PFAS “forever chemicals,” with calls for clearer public information and faster treatment upgrades. Accreditation & training quality: ǁKharas Governor Dawid Gertze warned that people can pay for health training at unaccredited institutions, only to have to restart qualifications—urging stronger public awareness from the Namibia National Qualifications Authority. Ebola preparedness: CDC Africa reports the DRC Ebola outbreak is straining hospitals and says dedicated treatment centres and new medicines are urgently needed; Europe has recorded its first case linked to a returning doctor. School sport for healthier youth: Namibia launched the School Sports for Development programme to boost physical education, healthy lifestyles, and life skills—plus Oshana and Oshikoto region updates show growing investment in skills and sports facilities. Mental wellness at work: Parliamentarians are flagging public servants’ rising debt as a workplace wellness and mental health issue, linking financial strain to anxiety, depression, and reduced performance. Namibia health sector growth: NSA data shows real GDP growth of 2.0% in Q1, with health services expanding and contributing to the economy’s gains. Community health infrastructure: Namibia and China signed a N$486m development grant aimed at improving clinics, school hostels, and water access in remote areas.

Ebola Alert: CDC Africa warns the DRC outbreak is straining hospitals, with about 1,200 confirmed cases and 305 deaths; it urges dedicated treatment centres and notes trials of experimental medicines are set to start in Bunia, while a first imported case has been reported in Europe. Mental Health & Justice: A Windhoek man accused of breaching State House security has been found unfit to stand trial after a psychiatric assessment diagnosed schizophrenia and substance use disorder. Public Health & Youth: Namibia launched the School Sports for Development programme to promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles and life skills, with the Vice President stressing sport’s role in building disciplined, resilient learners. Community Health Access: UNICEF and U.S. donors visited Tsumkwe to assess needs, including the Tsumkwe Clinic and schools, where overcrowded hostels and classroom shortages are affecting learning. Wellness at Work: NBC and Namibia Medical Care held a wellness day for staff, focusing on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Livestock Disease Risk: Namibia’s veterinary cordon fence “Red Line” remains in place as officials warn removing it could spread foot-and-mouth disease and threaten beef export markets. Water & Health Services: Oshikoto’s governor says water provision is a top priority, with projects funded to improve safe water access for households and livestock.

School Health & Youth Sports: Namibia’s Ministry of Education launched the School Sports for Development Programme in Windhoek, aiming to boost physical education, healthy lifestyles, and life skills for learners nationwide, with Vice President Lucia Witbooi stressing sport’s role in discipline and unity. Public Sector Wellness: Namibia’s public-service debt is being flagged as a workplace wellness and mental health issue, with lawmakers warning of rising anxiety, depression, and reduced performance when financial pressure hits staff. Anti-Corruption & Essential Services: A SADC anti-corruption conference heard that corruption weakens public trust and diverts resources away from essential services, with focus on procurement transparency, beneficial ownership, and stronger whistle-blower protection. Health System & Medicines: The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council cleared Fabu-Paracetamol after independent testing found batches met safety and quality standards and no toxic contaminants were detected. Livestock Health & Food Security: The “redline” fence removal remains “impossible” for now due to foot-and-mouth disease risk, with uncontrolled cattle movement across the Namibia–Angola border cited as a major threat to beef export markets. Community Health Infrastructure (Water): Oshikoto region priorities include water security, with funding for booster pumps, mini desalination plants, and boreholes to improve access to safe water for households and livestock. Workplace Health (Corporate): NBC and Namibia Medical Care hosted a wellness day for employees, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing to support productivity. Sports Events: Kavango East is preparing for the Public Enterprise Forum Games in Rundu (2–4 July), promoting teamwork and wellness through multiple sporting codes.

Workplace wellbeing: NBC and Namibia Medical Care hosted a wellness day for staff, focusing on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing to help manage deadline pressure. Regional health priorities: Oshikoto’s State of the Region Address put water, agriculture, connectivity, education, roads, health and security first, with N$6.4m mobilised for booster pumps, mini desalination plants and boreholes. Animal health & food security: Namibia’s “redline” fence removal remains “impossible” for now, with officials warning uncontrolled cattle at the Namibia–Angola border could spread foot-and-mouth disease and threaten beef export markets. Mental health & justice: A man accused of breaching State House security and indecent exposure was found unfit to stand trial after a psychiatric assessment diagnosed schizophrenia and substance use disorder. Medicine safety checks: NMRC cleared Fabu-Paracetamol and Fabupharm’s paracetamol syrup after independent testing found correct ingredients and no toxic contaminants. Public health & care: Police in Oshakati appealed for help to find the family of a newborn baby girl found abandoned and still under medical care. Labour & wellbeing: Furnmart and Home Corp workers submitted a petition and are pushing for an 8% wage hike plus housing allowance, linking low pay to financial depression and mental health strain. Climate-linked health risk: A Nature study highlights that “feels-like” heat stress is rising faster than air temperature, increasing dangerous heat periods and tropical nights. Conservation: African penguin numbers rose at South Africa’s Boulders Beach colony, with SANParks reporting 790 breeding pairs in 2026.