AGP Executive Report

Parliamentary Oversight: MPs say Namibia’s health system is in crisis—patients treated in tents, mortuaries out of service, ambulances stranded, and sanitation failures—after visits to facilities across 10 regions where stalled projects and weak contractor oversight were flagged. Mental Health in Uniform: The NDF marked World Suicide Prevention Day by stepping up suicide prevention and mental well-being support for service members and their families, urging people to speak out and seek help. Access to Care (North): Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital’s Prof. Filemon Amaambo Endoscopy Tour is bringing endoscopy services closer to remote communities, aiming to cut travel costs and waiting lists. Health Workforce Pressure: NUST medical laboratory science students raise concerns over admission progression and limited work-integrated learning placements, while the programme stays closed for 2027 due to practical training capacity constraints. Child Health & Environment: UNAM students donated 10 trees to a Keetmanshoop school to support a cleaner, healthier learning environment. Legal/Patient Safety: A woman in Katutura Hospital is suing the Ministry of Health for N$1 million after a slip-and-fall on a wet floor caused an ankle fracture. Public Health Data: Namibia’s census reports men die younger than women, with a large life expectancy gap and higher under-five mortality for boys.

NUST Medical Lab crisis: Medical Laboratory Science students at NUST say admission and progression rules are leaving them stuck, with only 50 of 64 eligible students placed for work-integrated learning and others waiting for the next cycle. They’re also asking why some were told they may not write exams, and want NUST to take responsibility and clarify academic status. Rabies alert: A rabies outbreak investigation is being linked to an unusual source after a man kayaking in South Africa was bitten by a Cape fur seal and later received hospital treatment and post-exposure shots; authorities couldn’t test the animal, but the case is raising concern about marine mammal transmission. Hospital negligence claim: A Namibian woman in Aranos is suing the Ministry of Health and Social Services for N$1 million after slipping on a wet floor at Katutura Hospital, alleging no warning signs and an ankle fracture. Lead poisoning in Rosh Pinah: Families near the zinc mine report serious health impacts from lead exposure, including a toddler with a blood lead level of 17.8, and complain about limited access to care for private workers. FMD and public health/economy: Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease response continues, with EU officials assessing risks to animal and public health and trade, while meat shipments and restaurant supplies face uncertainty. Child health and inequality: Namibia’s fertility and mortality data show rural birth rates remain high in some regions, and men die younger than women—highlighting the need for stronger reproductive health and gender-sensitive care. Violence and safety in schools: Police are investigating allegations of intoxicated officers assaulting hostel learners at Ndoro Memorial Combined School after a padlock incident, with parents reporting lack of medical attention. Road trauma support: The MVA Fund is moving toward a Windhoek trauma centre to strengthen accident response and rehabilitation.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD): Namibia’s FMD outbreak is still being assessed as the EU reviews risks to animal and public health, while government investigations continue into the origin and traceability of affected meat consignments. Food supply & livelihoods: A major N$400m meat shipment to Europe is in limbo, and Windhoek restaurants report disruptions and uncertainty as restrictions bite. Local enforcement: //Kharas governor Dawid Gertze urged strict compliance with FMD rules and called for tougher policing of veterinary checkpoints and illegal transport. Health system pressure: NUST will keep Medical Laboratory Sciences applications closed for 2027 due to practical training capacity constraints, and 120 students face possible deregistration or placement uncertainty. Child safety & violence: Police are investigating alleged assault of hostel learners at Ndoro Memorial Combined School, while a woman in Rundu died after an alleged attack by her son. Medical access & costs: Unemployment is squeezing medical aid schemes, with beneficiary growth under 1% in Q2. Maternal/child focus: Day of the Namibian Child was marked in Oranjemund with calls to end abuse and tackle drug and vaping risks in schools. Community support: NASRIA handed over CSR sponsorships spanning education, health, sport, agriculture and community development.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) response: Namibia’s veterinary services say investigations are under way to identify the origin of the FMD outbreak, with samples sent to Botswana to determine the virus strain. The government has also created an additional infected zone and started work on a new veterinary fence after procurement delays, while restrictions are being adjusted based on surveillance results. Trade and livelihoods hit: EU health authorities are assessing the outbreak and what it could mean for animal and public health, with a major N$400m meat shipment to Europe reported in limbo. Locally, Windhoek restaurants report disrupted meat supply and uncertainty, and farmers face pressure as livestock auctions are postponed or cancelled. Education and health workforce strain: NUST has acknowledged administrative oversight in admitting 150 students to its Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences programme, with placement capacity limiting practical training; Nanso says over 120 students could face deregistration or disruption. Road safety health support: The MVA Fund is setting up a trauma centre in Windhoek to strengthen care after crashes. Public health travel advisory: Namibia’s foreign affairs ministry urges caution and essential travel only to Ebola-affected parts of the DRC. Community health and wellbeing: MP Willem Amutenya urged educators to teach life skills alongside academics, including emotional intelligence and conflict management. Violence and safety: A woman was allegedly killed in Rundu after an attack by her son, and a separate report describes a suspected pilot stabbing incident on a FlyDubai flight, raising renewed aviation safety concerns.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) fallout: Namibia’s FMD shutdown may have disrupted marketing of about 4,300 cattle, while meat traders in Opuwo say recovery is slow as restrictions hit informal sales and empty markets. Partial easing, but uncertainty remains: Meatco welcomed DVS moves to partially lift restrictions after surveillance and traceability showed herds moved from the infected farm tested negative, though the disease is still localised in //Kharas and slaughter/trade rules remain tight. Trade and jobs at risk: Analysts warn the outbreak could cost thousands of jobs and hit growth and inflation, with Europe-facing beef exports especially vulnerable; government is also investigating reports of a Namibian meat shipment reportedly returned from Europe. Health system pressure: The health minister admitted state hospitals can’t always treat Motor Vehicle Accident Fund patients due to limited theatre and ICU capacity, raising questions about strengthening trauma care. Public health travel advisory: Namibia advised nationals to limit non-essential travel to DRC as confirmed Ebola cases surpass 8,000. Child wellbeing focus: President Nandi-Ndaitwah marked the Day of the Namibian Child, calling for equal access to education, healthcare and safety. Domestic violence call to action: A Windhoek-focused piece urges neighbours not to treat abuse as “private,” citing high case numbers and the need to report assaults.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): Namibia’s FMD outbreak in the //Kharas region remains localised, with traced livestock moved to Otjozondjupa testing negative and restrictions partially eased north of the veterinary cordon fence. Food & Trade: Meatco says the partial lifting helps restart parts of the livestock value chain, while analysts warn Namibia could lose major European beef earnings if exports are suspended. Health Workforce: Medical interns face uncertainty over absorption into the public health system because the Ministry of Health has limited funded vacant posts, meaning vacancies will be advertised and filled competitively. Child Health: Windhoek Central Hospital opened Namibia’s first fully equipped Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in a N$28 million investment aimed at cutting child mortality. Public Health Governance: An audit report flags governance and payroll irregularities after the Ministry paid fixed overtime to staff on full-time study leave, including a doctor on unauthorised leave. Sanitation & Access: NWSSP handed over new sanitation facilities to four clinics and one health centre in Kavango West, supported by the AfDB. Maternal Health Advocacy: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged African countries to increase investment in maternal health so skilled care reaches even deep rural communities. Community & Culture: The San Cultural Festival concluded in Tsumkwe, highlighting language recognition and traditional medicine as part of cultural preservation.

Paediatric care upgrade: Namibia inaugurated its first dedicated, fully equipped Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital, a N$28 million investment aimed at cutting child mortality and strengthening the “safety net” for critically ill children. Maternal health push: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged African countries to increase domestic investment in maternal health, arguing that skilled care must reach even deep rural communities. FMD response and health ripple effects: After Foot-and-Mouth Disease was confirmed in the previously FMD-free //Kharas zone, Namibia tightened movement and trade rules, triggered panic buying in Windhoek butcheries, and led to cancellations/changes at livestock events; partial easing now allows some movements north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence while surveillance continues. Health system governance: The Ministry of Health and Social Services was criticised after an audit found fixed overtime payments to staff on full-time study leave, including a doctor paid while on unauthorised leave. Jobs and data for health planning: Namibia launched the Namibia Labour Market Information System to improve evidence-based policy and monitoring of decent work and working conditions. Local sanitation gains: New sanitation facilities were handed over at clinics and a health centre in Kavango West to improve water, sanitation and hygiene access.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) response: Namibia confirmed FMD in the //Kharas region (Karasburg State Veterinary District), with 17 positive results from 199 samples and strict nationwide movement, slaughter and trade controls for cloven-hoofed animals and products. Public health & food supply impact: Windhoek residents rushed butcheries after the announcement, emptying shelves fast and sparking fears of shortages and price hikes. Livestock economy hit: Livestock auctions were halted and the Grootfontein Show continued without livestock exhibitions as animals were returned to farms under veterinary restrictions. Policy updates: Namibia partially lifted some restrictions north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence and allowed limited slaughter and movement of certain processed products, while keeping the outbreak localised in //Kharas. Industry coordination: Meatco suspended beef exports, then welcomed the partial easing, stressing surveillance, traceability and biosecurity discipline. Governance in health: The Health Ministry faced audit scrutiny after paying N$8m in fixed overtime to staff on full-time study leave, including a doctor paid while on unauthorised leave. Health workforce: The Health Ministry says it will announce an intern employment and placement agreement in early October, but absorption depends on available resources and service demand. Access to care & infrastructure: New sanitation facilities were handed over to clinics and a health centre in Kavango West under a major water and sanitation programme. AI for services: Namibia launched a National Artificial Intelligence Institute to build local AI capability for research, innovation and digital public services.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Response: Namibia has confirmed FMD in the //Kharas region, with 17 positive samples from 199 during intensified surveillance, and authorities say cases remain confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District while a 14-day incubation period is still running. Trade & Food Impacts: Meatco has suspended beef exports and Windhoek has halted meat permits and slaughter of cloven-hoofed animals, with nationwide restrictions on movement, marketing, slaughter and trade—leaving kapana sellers and families preparing for weddings and funerals facing uncertainty. Public Health & Safety Measures: The Ministry of Agriculture is tightening roadblocks and controls on cloven-hoofed animals and raw products, urging calm compliance and reliance on verified information as surveillance continues. Health System Staffing: The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it will announce an agreement on the employment and placement of medical interns in the first week of October, citing absorption limits tied to available resources and service demand. Access to Care & Infrastructure: Kavango West received newly built sanitation facilities for four clinics and one health centre under the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme. Disability Rights: Namibia’s deaf community is calling for stronger recognition of sign language and equal access to education, jobs, healthcare and public services.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Response: Namibia confirmed 17 positive FMD cases out of 199 samples in the Karasburg State Veterinary District, with traceability showing four cattle moved to Otjozondjupa Region but follow-up samples testing negative; authorities say all positives remain confined to Karasburg while strict monitoring continues. Trade & Food Impact: Meatco suspended beef exports and the City of Windhoek halted meat permits and slaughtering of cloven-hoofed animals, with nationwide movement, marketing and trade restrictions and roadblocks tightening control—leaving kapana sellers and families preparing for weddings and funerals facing uncertainty. Health System Capacity: The Health Ministry said it cannot automatically absorb all unemployed medical interns and practitioners due to limited resources, linking intake to funding and service demand; it also responded to calls for stronger trauma centres in public hospitals. Water, Sanitation & Clinics: Kavango West received newly built sanitation facilities for four clinics and one health centre under the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme, supported by the African Development Bank. Access & Inclusion: Namibia’s deaf community marched for equal access to education, healthcare and public services, calling for more interpreters and teacher assistants. Labour & Public Health Planning: A new Namibia Labour Market Information System aims to improve data for employment and decent work monitoring, including income and working conditions.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) response: Namibia has confirmed FMD in its long FMD-free commercial livestock zone, triggering a nationwide ban on livestock movement and meat exports, with 17 of 199 samples positive and all positives confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District in ǁKharas. Trade and food impacts: Meatco suspended beef exports, while Windhoek suspended meat permits and slaughtering of cloven-hoofed animals, including at informal markets and social events—leaving kapana sellers and families preparing for weddings and funerals facing uncertainty. Local enforcement: Roadblocks and tighter controls are being stepped up to stop movement of cloven-hoofed animals and raw products, with authorities warning the public not to transport meat without proper proof of purchase. Health system capacity: The Health Ministry says it cannot automatically absorb all unemployed medical interns due to resource limits, linking intake to demand and funding. Access and inclusion: Namibia’s deaf community is calling for equal access to sign language in education, healthcare and public services. Public health promotion: NBC and the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust expand collaboration to boost fish consumption and nutrition messaging.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Response: Namibia confirmed FMD cases in its internationally recognised disease-free zone near Karasburg, triggering nationwide restrictions on movement, slaughter, imports/exports and beef trade—Windhoek suspended meat permits and slaughter, Meatco halted beef exports, and the Windhoek Agricultural Show cancelled its livestock exhibition while Grootfontein’s show continued with livestock sent back to farms. Public health & food access: While FMD is not known to infect humans through meat, the outbreak is already disrupting supplies and livelihoods, with retailers reporting meat shortages and communities facing uncertainty. Livelihood pressure: Police arrested a man transporting slaughtered cattle amid stock-theft concerns as controls tighten. Disability rights: Namibia’s deaf community marched for equal access to sign-language recognition across education, jobs, healthcare and public services. Health system infrastructure: Five Kavango West facilities received new sanitation facilities under a major water and sanitation programme, linking cleaner services to better patient conditions. Health policy & benefits: The Social Security Commission clarified Namibia’s N$20,000 maternity benefit is a ceiling (based on basic salary), effective 1 October 2026. Global health funding watch: The U.S. says it will end health funding to Zimbabwe at month-end after a breakdown over sharing sensitive health data. Wellness & prevention: Namibia’s TAFISA Walk for Life returns in Windhoek under “One Health” messaging to boost active lifestyles.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Shock: Namibia confirmed FMD in its internationally recognised disease-free zone, triggering nationwide suspension of movement, marketing, trade, slaughter (export and local abattoirs, informal markets and social events) and imports/exports of cloven-hoofed animals and products, with roadblocks and tighter controls now in place; Windhoek Impact: the City of Windhoek immediately suspended meat permits and halted slaughter activities; Livestock Trade Disruption: livestock auctions and show livestock exhibitions are being cancelled or postponed, including the Windhoek Agricultural Show livestock component and livestock-related activities at other events; Public Health & Community Angle: while FMD doesn’t typically infect humans, the outbreak is already affecting red meat availability and prices as retailers report depleted stocks and processors adjust supply; Maternity Benefit Clarified: the Social Security Commission clarified Namibia’s N$20,000 maternity benefit is a ceiling, not a flat payment, effective 1 October 2026; Preventive Wellness Push: Namibia Sports Commission’s TAFISA Walk for Life returns to Windhoek under “One Namibia, One Nation, One Health, Every Step Counts”; Mental Health Reminder: a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month opinion piece urges people to notice “the people who seem fine,” stressing that pain can be hidden.