AGP Executive Report

Medicine Safety: Namibia’s medicines regulator (NMRC) warns that online and informal sellers are marketing unregistered weight-loss injections and peptide products, naming brands like Ozempic and Wegovy, with risks of wrong ingredients, incorrect strengths and contamination. Local Health System Pressure: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Swakopmund State Hospital, urging improved service delivery under NDP 6, while staff cited overcrowding, medication and bed shortages that affect patient privacy. Public Health in Custody: The ombudsman reports malnutrition among trial-awaiting inmates in police holding cells, linked to overcrowding and long criminal justice delays. Mental Health & GBV Awareness: One Economy Foundation’s “Game Changers” event in Windhoek (22 Aug) combines fun runs with barbershop talks on mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and standing against GBV and femicide. Workforce & Health at Work: Bannerman Energy says it’s targeting a workforce of over 80% Namibians as it moves the Etango uranium project toward future operations, including health and safety planning. Community Health Access: The City of Windhoek relocated 309 households to Havana Extensions to improve emergency vehicle access and response in Moses //Garoëb.

Health System & Access: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Swakopmund State Hospital, urging quality healthcare under NDP6 while staff flagged overcrowding, medication and bed shortages, and privacy problems. Public Health in Custody: The ombudsman reports trial-awaiting inmates in police holding cells are suffering malnutrition amid overcrowding and criminal justice delays. Medicine Safety: Namibia’s medicine regulator warns of rising sales of unlicensed weight-loss products and cautions against Ozempic and other unregistered GLP-1/peptide medicines. Maternal & Child Health Support: FLECHAS donated reusable menstrual hygiene dignity kits to 157 girls in Tsumkwe, aiming to reduce absenteeism and protect dignity. Rural Health Workforce: Cleaners at Tondoro Health Centre in Kavango West were asked to help build an administrative structure due to lack of funds for a contractor. HIV Progress: UNAIDS highlights Cambodia’s achievement of the 95-95-95 targets, noting Namibia is among countries reaching key HIV milestones. Regional Health Security: At the SADC summit, leaders discussed migration management, peace and security, job creation, industrialisation and deeper integration, including cooperation on health security.

Medicine Safety Watch: Namibia’s Medicines Regulatory Council warns of a rise in unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes products being sold and promoted on social media, urging people to buy only from licensed pharmacies and consult health professionals. Hospital Connectivity: Communications regulator CRAN says free Wi‑Fi is being rolled out at two state hospitals, linking the move to broader broadband goals and digital access for care. Care Under Pressure: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Swakopmund State Hospital, hearing concerns about overcrowding, limited beds and medication shortages affecting patient privacy and service delivery. Justice & Nutrition: The ombudsman reports trial-awaiting inmates in police holding cells are suffering malnutrition due to overcrowding and delays in the criminal justice system. Rural Health Staffing Strain: In Kavango West, cleaners at Tondoro Health Centre were asked to help build an administrative block because funds for a contractor are lacking. Maternal Health Support: FLECHAS donated reusable menstrual hygiene dignity kits to girls in Tsumkwe to help reduce absenteeism and support school participation. Public Health Education: Namibia Learning Passport launched in Keetmanshoop to expand digital and offline learning for youth beyond the classroom.

HIV Response Spotlight: UNAIDS says Cambodia hit the 95-95-95 HIV targets, with Namibia named among the countries that achieved them by 2025—highlighting how strong leadership plus community partnerships drive results. Quality Healthcare Push: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Swakopmund State Hospital, pledging quality care under NDP 6, while staff pointed to overcrowding, medicine shortages and privacy problems. Prison Health Alarm: The ombudsman found trial-awaiting inmates in police holding cells suffering malnutrition, linked to overcrowding and criminal justice delays. Medicine Safety Warning: Namibia’s medicine regulator warns of rising sales of unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes products on social media, urging people to buy only from licensed pharmacies and consult health professionals. Digital Health Access: CRAN’s plan for free Wi-Fi at Katutura and Keetmanshoop state hospitals ties into broader efforts to expand 4G connectivity for public services. Menstrual Health Support: FLECHAS donated reusable hygiene dignity kits to girls in Tsumkwe to reduce absenteeism and support wellbeing. Workplace Health & Welfare: Cleaners at Tondoro Health Centre in Kavango West were asked to build an admin block due to lack of funds, raising concerns about unpaid extra work.

Medicine Safety: Namibia’s Medicine Regulatory Council warns of a rise in unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes products sold via social media and informal markets, naming brands/ingredients and stressing no grace period—buy only from licensed pharmacies and consult a health professional. Digital Health Access: CRAN says free Wi‑Fi is being rolled out at Katutura and Keetmanshoop state hospitals, linking connectivity to the country’s broader broadband push for clinics and public services. Maternal & Adolescent Health: FLECHAS donated reusable menstrual hygiene dignity kits to 157 girls at Mangetti Dune Combined School and Makata Primary in Tsumkwe, aiming to cut absenteeism and support dignity. Rural Health & Services: The Onamafila clinic opened (N$21.7m), bringing care closer to 24 villages. Mental Health Focus: A report highlights Namibia’s mental healthcare strain—few specialists, stigma, and limited referral capacity—while calling for better access beyond Windhoek. Livestock Health & Exports: EU livestock inspections were paused due to budget limits, but a temporary arrangement was reached to protect EU-certified export supply chains. Community Support: MOVSC, backed by FasterCapital, is advancing pre-school, counseling, and community programs for orphans and vulnerable learners.

Medicine Safety Watch: Namibia’s Medicine Regulatory Council warns of a rise in unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes medicines being sold and promoted on social media, urging people to buy only from licensed pharmacies and authorised facilities. Regulator Transparency: Two medicines have been recalled or quarantined recently—Azithromycin Oral Suspension batches were quarantined after quality complaints, while a children’s cough syrup was voluntarily recalled after crystals were found. Digital Health Access: The Communications Regulatory Authority’s plan for free Wi‑Fi at Katutura and Keetmanshoop state hospitals is tied to Namibia’s push for broader connectivity, supporting hospitals and clinics as key public access points. Maternal & Youth Wellness: FLECHAS donated reusable menstrual hygiene dignity kits to 157 girls in Tsumkwe, aiming to reduce absenteeism and support school participation. Mental Health Focus: A new interview highlights Namibia’s mental healthcare strain, including psychiatrist shortages and limited specialised services outside Windhoek. Community Health Programs: MOVSC, backed by FasterCapital, reports progress on pre-school, counselling and community outreach planning for orphans and vulnerable learners. Education for Wellbeing: Namibia Learning Passport expands digital and offline learning access for youth in underserved areas.

Mental Health Access: Namibia’s mental healthcare remains stretched, with only one referral psychiatric hospital and a shortage of psychiatrists and specialists; 91,000 patients were treated in 2025 and nearly 600 died, while stigma and limited services outside Windhoek keep many from getting help. Medicine Safety Watch: Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council quarantined two batches of Azithromycin Oral Suspension after reports of poor dissolution, and a separate voluntary recall was issued for a children’s cough syrup after crystals were found—raising questions about regulator communication. Maternal Health & Violence: A man was sentenced to 22 years for assaulting and murdering his seven-month-pregnant wife, underscoring ongoing risks to women and unborn children. Flood-Resilient Schools: A N$268.7m contract will elevate and protect Muzii Combined School in the Zambezi Region to cut flooding-related disruption and health risks. Nutrition & Livestock Support: Omalaeti Foods received certification for its “Munna” animal feed range, aiming to ease high feed costs for farmers. Health Tech Skills: UNAM and Huawei signed an MoU to strengthen digital skills and set up an AI lab, with applications across health and other sectors. Energy & Health Link: Namibia renewed calls for the complete lifting of the US embargo on Cuba, saying sanctions worsen access to medicine and basic services.

Cuba Solidarity & Health Impact: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare renewed calls for the complete and unconditional lifting of the long-running U.S. embargo on Cuba, saying it fuels shortages of food, medicine, fuel and disrupts hospitals and public services. Humanitarian Aid for Health Needs: A Namibia-led campaign has raised over N$700,000 to deliver medical supplies and solar power kits to Cuba, with organisers highlighting ongoing hardship for ordinary people. Mental Health Access in Focus: Namibia’s mental healthcare system faces a major gap: only one referral psychiatric hospital for the whole country, shortages of psychiatrists and stigma limiting care—while new discussion points to the need for better training and support. Medicine Supply Concerns: Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council quarantined two batches of Azithromycin Oral Suspension after quality complaints, and a separate voluntary recall was issued for a children’s cough syrup due to crystallisation. Rural Health Staffing Worry: The health ministry says professionals are reluctant to take rural postings, threatening efforts to bring services closer to remote communities. Trade & Pharma Cooperation: Namibia and India agreed to deepen cooperation, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices, after joint trade talks in New Delhi. Animal Feed Certification: Omalaeti Foods received registration certificates for nutrient-rich animal feed products, aiming to ease pressure from high livestock input costs. Flood Resilience for Learning & Safety: A N$268.7m contract will elevate and protect Muzii Combined School grounds in Zambezi to reduce flooding-related disruption and health risks. Rural Skills & Health Workforce Pipeline: UNAM and Huawei signed an MoU to expand AI lab capacity, while UNAM-health cooperation is also being used to strengthen training for future health professionals.

Medicine Safety: Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council quarantined two batches of Azithromycin Oral Suspension after reports the antibiotic failed to dissolve properly, while Cospharm also issued a voluntary recall for VCS Flumed Syrup after crystals were found—raising fresh questions about medicine quality and regulator communication. Primary Healthcare Access: The N$21.7m Onamafila Primary Health Care Clinic opened in Ohangwena, bringing services closer to residents of 24 villages and supporting Universal Health Coverage goals. Rural Health Staffing: Health and Social Services Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao warned that rural posts stay hard to fill when professionals are unwilling to work outside towns, urging UNAM training to prepare graduates for remote communities. Health Supply Chain: A N$178m Central Medical Store contract was signed to expand storage capacity and improve compliance with good storage practices, aiming to strengthen medicine availability nationwide. Flood Resilience for Learning & Health: CPBN signed a N$268.7m contract to elevate Muzii Combined School grounds in Zambezi to reduce flood disruption and health risks. Digital Skills for Health & Beyond: UNAM and Huawei signed an MoU to set up an AI laboratory, with practical research and training that could support areas including health. Namibia–India Cooperation: Namibia and India agreed to deepen trade and investment, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices, alongside critical minerals and digitalisation.

Rural Health Staffing: Health and Social Services Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao says Namibia can’t keep expanding rural services if health professionals won’t take postings, urging UNAM to train future staff for real rural needs. Primary Care Access: The N$21.7m Onamafila Primary Health Care Clinic opened in Ohangwena, bringing services closer to residents of 24 villages and stressing patient dignity and better customer service. Medicine Supply Pressure: In the //Kharas region, the Aus government clinic is battling chronic medicine shortages and lacks an ambulance, leaving patients with chronic conditions struggling to afford private alternatives. Health Supply Chain Boost: MoHSS and the Central Procurement Board signed an N$178m contract to build a new Central Medical Store and refurbish the warehouse to fix storage capacity gaps and improve medicine handling. Health Training Partnerships: UNAM and the Ministry signed an MoU to strengthen health professional training and applied sciences cooperation, with a clear focus on improving coverage beyond towns. Road Safety & Health: A B2 crash near Usakos/Arandis killed one truck driver and seriously injured another, with the injured transferred to Windhoek State Hospital. Trade With Health Implications: India and SACU signed terms of reference for a preferential trade deal, with Namibia named among SACU members and pharmaceuticals listed among key negotiation areas. Blue Economy: Namibia’s blue economy push highlights healthier oceans and livelihoods, including local initiatives that reduce bycatch and support coastal communities.

Health Supply Boost: Namibia’s Central Procurement Board signed an N$178 million contract to start building a new Central Medical Store and refurbish the current warehouse, aiming to close a major storage gap (2,900 vs 4,600 cubic metres) and strengthen safe medicine handling nationwide. New Clinic Opens: The N$21.7 million Onamafila Primary Health Care Clinic opened in Ohangwena, bringing services closer to residents of 24 villages and urging healthcare workers to pair infrastructure with compassionate, accountable care. Public Health Cooperation: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services called for stronger cross-border coordination to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, warning that travel and logistics hubs increase outbreak risk. Maternal Health & Justice: A Windhoek woman alleges police brutality led to miscarriage and is suing for N$5 million; the High Court heard the case and set closing submissions for 22 September. Road Safety Tragedy: A B2 road crash involving three trucks left one driver dead and another seriously injured, with police investigating culpable homicide and reckless driving. Youth & Mental Health: UNAM’s Southern Campus hosted a workshop for young men focused on confidence, leadership, financial literacy and mental wellbeing, including suicide and self-esteem discussions. Teen Smoking Warning: A former smoker shared how nicotine addiction began at 13, highlighting rising teenage tobacco and vape use. Veterinary Capacity: UNAM is seeking about N$30 million to complete the second phase of its Veterinary Academic Hospital, linking animal health to public health and food security. Trade Talks With Health Links: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference for a preferential trade agreement, with Namibia mentioned in plans that include affordable medicines and sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

Cross-Border Health Security: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services is pushing for stronger cross-border cooperation to stop infectious disease outbreaks spreading through travel and trade, warning the country is exposed to threats like Ebola, Marburg and yellow fever. Health Workforce Training: The MOHSS and the University of Namibia signed an MoU to better link clinical practice, research and hospital-based training so health education matches real needs in clinics and communities. Medicine Supply Boost: Namibia is investing about N$178m to expand medical storage capacity after public facilities reported medicine shortages, with stock levels previously sitting around 60%. Medical Aid Rules Clarified: Namaf welcomed a High Court ruling that clarifies its role in administering practice numbers, while stressing its evaluative powers must stay within the Medical Aid Funds Act. Maternal Health Support: Namibia marked Indigenous Peoples’ Day by highlighting the ongoing value of traditional midwives in rural maternal care, calling for traditional knowledge and modern healthcare to complement each other. Workplace Alcohol Culture: A workplace-focused push for responsible, moderate alcohol consumption is gaining traction, with Namibia Breweries positioning it as both a safety and wellness issue. Nurse Assault Allegation: MOHSS is investigating another alleged assault involving a nurse at Outjo, following a similar incident at Okahandja last month. Trade With Health Links: India and Namibia agreed to deepen cooperation including pharmaceuticals and services, alongside value addition in critical minerals.

Health Training Boost: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services and UNAM signed an MoU to strengthen practical clinical training, research, and home-grown innovation so lectures and hospitals inform each other. Medicine Supply Push: Government approved a ~N$178m medical storage expansion to tackle essential medicine shortages after stock levels were reported around 60% earlier this year. Maternal Health Support: Traditional midwives were highlighted as key partners in maternal care in rural areas, with calls to blend indigenous knowledge and modern healthcare. Breastfeeding at Work: Workplace breastfeeding support is gaining attention, including efforts to make support practical for employers and mothers. Rural Access Improves: Onamafila Primary Health Care Clinic opened in Ohangwena, cutting travel distances for residents and easing costs and delays in getting care. Legal Clarity for Medical Aid: Namaf won a High Court case clarifying regulatory boundaries around practice numbers and Namaf’s evaluative role. Local Care & Safety: Outjo nurse assault allegations are under investigation after a similar incident in Okahandja last month. Mental Health & Youth: A conference panel linked post-graduation unemployment pressures to rising anxiety and depression among young men. Economy Watch: IMF warned growth is too weak to dent unemployment and poverty, with Namibia’s growth forecast at 2.1% for 2026.

Maternal Health: Namibia marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by spotlighting traditional midwives in Katima Mulilo, stressing that indigenous knowledge and modern care should complement each other to improve outcomes for mothers and children. Primary Care Access: The N$21.7m Onamafila Primary Health Care Clinic opened in Oshikunde, bringing antenatal care, immunisations, TB screening and adolescent-friendly services closer to about 24 villages and easing travel costs and delays. Health Training Partnerships: MoHSS and UNAM signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in health and applied sciences, aiming to improve training pathways, research and health workforce development. HIV Prevention in Practice: A Malawi community-based programme presented at AIDS 2026 reported a drop in HIV positivity among exposed infants to 0.2% and fewer missed testing milestones through household follow-up and coordinated care. Genomics Capacity: NUST installed Namibia’s first high-throughput genome sequencing platform, enabling local DNA sequencing to cut costs and speed up research and healthcare applications. Livestock Health & Costs: Namibia’s live goat export industry faces pressure as animal health compliance (including Brucella melitensis testing) adds major costs for communal farmers, even as South Africa remains the main market.

Public Health Partnerships: MoHSS and UNAM signed an MoU to strengthen training, research and human resource development in health and applied sciences, aiming to prepare clinicians for day-one practice. Maternal & Child Health: Deputy health minister Suzan Ndjaleka urged employers to adopt breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies as breastfeeding rates remain low, pushing for practical support for mothers at work. Rural Access to Care: The N$21.7m Onamafila Primary Health Care Clinic opened in Oshikunde, bringing antenatal care, immunisations, TB screening and adolescent-friendly services closer to about 24 villages. Genomics in Namibia: NUST installed the country’s first high-throughput genome sequencing platform, expected to cut costs and delays of overseas DNA testing and support local whole-genome sequencing. Men’s Mental Health: A Windhoek panel highlighted rising anxiety and depression among young men, linked to post-graduation unemployment and pressure to provide. Workplace Safety: Two workers died after suspected toxic gas exposure during maintenance at Gammas Water Care Works in Windhoek; investigations are ongoing. HIV Prevention Progress: Malawi reported a sharp drop in HIV positivity among HIV-exposed infants through community follow-up and milestone tracking, with far fewer children missing testing. Health System Delivery: Nipam defended 2026 Public Sector Awards criteria after criticism, noting MoHSS won overall for capacity building and continuous learning. Community Health & Welfare: Namibia’s child-care and protection statistics show a 40% decline in children supported for street living over 2014–2023, attributed to improved reintegration.