AGP Executive Report

Paediatric care boost: Namibia inaugurated a N$28m Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital, aiming to cut neonatal and under-five deaths and strengthen critical care. HIV prevention update: Kavango East launched a campaign for the new PrEP injection, targeting about 200 HIV-negative people in risk groups with clinic-based testing and follow-up dosing. Medical aid reassurance: Namibia Health Plan (NHP) told members benefits and contributions will stay unchanged as FIMA reshapes medical aid governance and claims processes. Patient safety push: MoHSS marked World Patient Safety Day by calling for a “no name, no blame, no shame” culture so health workers report mistakes and near misses without fear. Health service delivery concerns: IPC raised alarms over Mariental District Hospital’s oxygen plant failure and reported diarrhoea deaths in Zambezi, urging answers on timelines and patient transfers. Community nutrition focus: Nafsan will host a 22–24 Sept dialogue on nutrition and malnutrition progress, tackling the “triple burden” of undernutrition plus rising overweight and obesity. Identity for health access: Home Affairs called for national identity coverage from birth to support health, education, justice and social protection. Workforce rights: LPM urged a parliamentary probe into security guards’ wages, safety and social protection. Climate misinformation: DW Akademie highlighted how climate disinformation is used to delay action, including projects in Namibia.

Paediatric care boost: Namibia inaugurated a N$28m Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital to cut neonatal and under-five deaths, as the MoHSS pushes its RMNCAH strategy and community health worker expansion. Health service pressure: IPC says Mariental District Hospital’s oxygen-generation plant has been down since 30 July, with reports of asthma and other respiratory patients dying when oxygen was unavailable, and also flags a diarrhoea surge in Zambezi. Patient safety culture: The MoHSS called for a “no name, no blame, no shame” approach so health workers can report mistakes and near misses without fear. Malnutrition dialogue: Nafsan will host a 22–24 Sept nutrition for growth dialogue in Windhoek to track progress on Namibia’s malnutrition commitments amid a “triple burden” of undernutrition, overweight and obesity. Medication access crisis: A Windhoek man with epilepsy, asthma and HIV says he can’t take medication without food and is appealing for help after fainting and hospital stays without support. Water and health risk: NamWater announced phased water cuts in Usakos from 21 Sept to 9 Oct, urging contingency planning. Community health & hygiene: World Cleanup Day relaunch in Windhoek linked poor waste management to rising baboon presence near homes, warning of risks to vulnerable people. Local health system capacity: A UCT study found one in seven hospital patients across Africa experiences severe pain, highlighting a major gap in acute pain care. Climate info integrity: DW Akademie reports efforts in Namibia to fight climate disinformation that can harm health, food and livelihoods.

Paediatric care boost: Namibia inaugurated a N$28 million Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital to cut neonatal and under-five deaths, with the ministry citing progress from 2022–2026 and renewed focus on community health workers. Patient safety push: MoHSS called for a “no name, no blame, no shame” culture at World Patient Safety Day, urging staff to report mistakes and near misses to learn and improve care. Medication access crisis: A 28-year-old man living with epilepsy, asthma and HIV says he can’t take his medication without food and has been left struggling after fainting and hospital delays. Road safety concern: The National Council warns road accidents are rising, with 2026 already showing far more crashes and fatal incidents than 2024–2025, pointing to speeding, reckless driving, alcohol impairment and fatigue. Water disruption in Usakos: NamWater announced phased water reductions and a full suspension from 21 Sept to 9 Oct due to unpaid accounts, urging contingency planning. Identity for health and services: Deputy Minister Edward Wambo says legal identity from birth underpins health, education, social protection and justice, with plans to extend access nationwide. Social worker staffing gap: Parliament heard only 23 of 55 planned social worker posts were filled, leaving rural areas underserved. Clean-up and public health: Namibia relaunched the National Clean-up Campaign, linking poor waste management to disease risks and increased baboon sightings in Windhoek. Local health policy: NaCC approved 19 mergers, including conditional approval for pharmaceutical wholesale to protect fair medicine supply and pricing.

Uranium & local benefits: Namibia’s Etango project near Swakopmund is under fresh pressure to do more for Namibian businesses and communities, with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy urging stronger local procurement, skills training, and community projects—while also stressing responsible operations in an environmentally sensitive area. Hospital pain in Africa: A UCT-led study reports that 1 in 7 hospital patients across Africa suffer severe pain, with nearly two-thirds experiencing some pain—highlighting an urgent patient-safety and care-quality gap. Mental health push: Namibia marks National Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Month (10 Sep–10 Oct), urging people to break stigma, start conversations, and use counselling and support services. Clean-up & public health: Windhoek’s National Clean-up Campaign relaunch links poor waste management to health risks and rising baboon activity in residential areas. Youth wellness support: AIMS hosted a sports day to promote healthier lifestyles, while UNAM Katima Campus ran a wellness engagement focused on mental health and healthy boundaries. Social services staffing strain: Parliament hears only 23 of 55 planned social worker posts were filled, leaving rural areas underserved. Traditional medicine law stalled: Namibia’s Traditional Healers’ Practitioners Bill still isn’t passed, leaving healers operating without registration or patient protections.

Missing Persons & Safety: South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy and his fixer Kooki Mahmoud have gone missing in Djibouti, with colleagues urging authorities to confirm their whereabouts and well-being. Clean Environment & Public Health: Namibia re-launched its National Clean-up Campaign, with Windhoek residents and youth groups clearing illegal dumping sites—linked to disease risk and pressure on municipal services. Youth Mental Health Support: In Windhoek, the Victory Youth Group held a Youth MegaHelp event offering free counselling and using role plays and performances to tackle mental health, gender-based violence and suicide. Suicide Prevention Focus: Namibia marks Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month (10 Sept–10 Oct), urging people to start conversations, listen without judgement, and use counselling and social support. Health System Workforce: Namibia’s gender ministry says only 23 of 55 social worker posts were filled in 2025/26, citing too few qualified graduates and difficulty staffing rural areas. Traditional Medicine Policy Gap: BRICS backs traditional medicine globally, but Namibia’s Traditional Healers’ Practitioners Bill has still not been passed, leaving healers and patients without clear protection. HIV Funding Transition: Namibia’s HIV response faces pressure as US support phases out; the government says it already funds ARVs, but experts warn prevention and broader services need sustained backing. Community Wellness at UNAM: UNAM Katima Campus concluded a student wellness programme covering mental health, wellbeing and healthy boundaries. Youth Skills & Opportunity: Namibia’s young competitors are set for WorldSkills in Shanghai, highlighting vocational training as a route to jobs and livelihoods.

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Namibia marks Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month (10 Sept–10 Oct) with a push to break stigma, start conversations, and strengthen access to counselling and support, as officials warn suicide remains a serious, preventable public health concern. Health Workforce Shortage: The Gender ministry says only 23 of 55 targeted social worker posts were filled in 2025/26, citing too few qualified graduates and a preference for urban placements, leaving rural areas underserved. University Wellness: UNAM Katima Campus wrapped up a two-day student wellness programme focused on mental health, personal development, and healthy boundaries, with separate sessions for male and female students. Patient Safety & Care Access: Mariental State Hospital is operating on oxygen cylinders while repairs continue on its main oxygen plant after intermittent shortages and an explosion in June, with a longer-term solution underway. Traditional Medicine Regulation: Namibia’s Traditional Healers’ Practitioners Bill still hasn’t passed after 12 years, leaving traditional healers in a regulatory vacuum with no registration or patient protections. Youth & Violence Prevention: A community activist calls for earlier, ongoing support for boy children after a stabbing death in Mondesa, urging families and communities to build emotional and decision-making guidance from a young age.

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Namibia marks Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month (10 Sept–10 Oct) with a push to break stigma, start conversations, and improve access to counselling and support, as WHO Namibia highlights suicide as a preventable outcome of mental distress. Patient Safety: World Patient Safety Day was commemorated at Windhoek Central Hospital, focusing on “Safe Care for Non-communicable Diseases” and urging health workers to report incidents, learn from near misses, and strengthen safe medication and care practices. Local Wellness at UNAM: UNAM Katima Mulilo wrapped up a two-day student wellness programme for male and female students, covering mental health, personal development, and healthy boundaries. HIV Funding Pressure: Namibia’s HIV response faces a major shift as US direct funding phases out; the government says it already funds 100% of ARVs, but experts warn continuity depends on more than medicines. Health Infrastructure: Mariental State Hospital is using oxygen cylinders while repairs continue on its oxygen plant after intermittent shortages since June. Traditional Medicine Policy Gap: BRICS backs traditional medicine globally, but Namibia’s Traditional Healers’ Practitioners Bill still hasn’t passed—leaving healers in a regulatory vacuum. Gender & Health Equity: Morocco ranks 139th out of 145 in the WEF Global Gender Gap Report, with major gaps in economic participation and literacy that can affect health outcomes. Community Support: Bank Windhoek invested over N$21 million in community development, including youth skills and support through the Capricorn Foundation.

Suicide Prevention Month: Namibia marks 10 Sept–10 Oct with a push to break stigma and “start the conversation” on mental health, urging people to listen without judgement and reach out for counselling and support. Patient Safety Day: Windhoek Central Hospital marked World Patient Safety Day with a focus on safer care for non-communicable diseases, warning that misdiagnosis, medication errors and weak safety practices can harm patients. HIV Funding Shift: Namibia’s HIV response faces pressure as US direct funding phases out; the ministry says it already funds 100% of ARVs, but experts stress the need to sustain testing, counselling and broader health-system support. Traditional Healers Bill Stalled: Despite BRICS backing traditional medicine, Namibia’s Traditional Healers’ Practitioners Bill has sat in Parliament for 12 years, leaving healers in a regulatory vacuum and patients without clear protections. Hospital Oxygen Repairs: Mariental State Hospital is using oxygen cylinders while its main oxygen plant is repaired after intermittent shortages since June, following an explosion and repeated maintenance issues. Community Health & Youth: Bank Windhoek pledged over N$21m to community support, including youth skills programmes, while a boy-focused activist calls for earlier emotional and wellbeing guidance to prevent youth violence.

HIV Response Under Pressure: Namibia’s HIV programme faces a major shift as the US phases out direct funding; the ministry says government will fund 100% of ARVs and HIV test kits, but experts warn sustainability depends on more than medicines. Patient Safety Focus: World Patient Safety Day was marked at Windhoek Central Hospital with a call to strengthen safe care for non-communicable diseases, warning that misdiagnosis and medication errors remain risks. Oxygen Reliability Worries: Mariental State Hospital is using oxygen cylinders while repairs continue on its main oxygen plant after intermittent shortages since June. Traditional Medicine Bill Stalls: Despite BRICS backing traditional medicine, Namibia’s Traditional Healers’ Practitioners Bill has sat in Parliament since 2014, leaving healers operating without registration or patient protections. Cybersecurity Alert: The Namibian Defence Force was named in an unverified ransomware claim; researchers say no proof-of-compromise has been publicly shown. Cleanliness & Public Services: A debate reignited around how Windhoek and Namibia lost the “clean city” identity, pointing to gaps in municipal planning, refuse collection and enforcement. GBV Protection Orders: Legal experts warn fast-tracked GBV protection orders must include safeguards to prevent abuse of the 24-hour process.

HIV Funding Shift: Namibia’s HIV response faces new pressure as the US phases out direct funding, while the government says it already covers 100% of ARVs and test kits and will rely more on technical cooperation for testing, counselling and community support. Patient Safety Focus: World Patient Safety Day was marked at Windhoek Central Hospital with a push for safer care for non-communicable diseases, warning that misdiagnosis, wrong medication and weak incident reporting can cost lives. Hospital Oxygen Repairs: Mariental State Hospital is using oxygen cylinders while its main oxygen plant is repaired after intermittent shortages since June, raising concerns about continuity of care. GBV Protection Orders: Legal experts warn that fast-tracked GBV protection orders served within 24 hours could be abused without safeguards, even as faster service can reduce delays for victims. Mental Health Conversation: A new Suicide Prevention Month column offers practical guidance on what to say when someone shares suicidal thoughts. Youth & Violence Prevention: A community activist calls for better emotional and mental support for boy children after a stabbing death in Mondesa, stressing early engagement before conflict turns deadly. Cuba Solidarity Drive: Namibia raised about N$2.6m for Cuba’s healthcare and solar supplies, with a “mysterious donor” pledge of N$17m announced during the gala as Cuba’s health system faces sanctions-related shortages. Water Safety Alarm: Otjihanameva residents in Erongo reportedly lack reliable water for two months, forcing long travel and raising health and safety risks.

Patient Safety: Windhoek Central Hospital marked World Patient Safety Day with a focus on “Safe Care for Non-communicable Diseases,” warning that misdiagnosis, wrong medication and weak safety practices still drive preventable harm. Mental Health: A new column on suicide prevention urges Namibians to talk carefully when someone is struggling, stressing that many people are trying to end pain, not their lives. GBV Protection Orders: Legal experts warn that fast-tracked protection orders for gender-based violence could be abused if safeguards aren’t built in, especially when interim orders are issued without the respondent being heard. Tobacco Control: Namibia’s proposed tobacco amendments are debated as a health priority, but businesses and advocates also call for strong enforcement so restrictions don’t leave loopholes for illicit products. Water & Health Risks: Otjihanameva’s prolonged water shortage in Erongo is raising urgent health and safety concerns as residents reportedly travel long distances for water. Cuba Health Under Pressure: Namibia raised N$2.6m for Cuba’s healthcare needs amid sanctions, with reports of long surgical waiting lists and shortages affecting children and elderly patients. Local Health Capacity: UNAM Katima Campus hosts a wellness week, while Merck Foundation highlights that sustainable cancer care depends on building specialized healthcare professionals, not just equipment. Identity & Access to Services: The home affairs ministry says minors are the next priority for identity registration, linking documentation gaps to access to services including health care.

Patient Safety & NCD Care: Namibia’s health workers warn that medication errors linked to misdiagnosis, wrong prescriptions and poor communication can endanger people living with chronic conditions, as the country marks World Patient Safety Day at Windhoek Central Hospital. Tobacco & Nicotine Controls: The Ministry of Health has wrapped up public consultations on proposed Tobacco Products Control Act amendments, which would tighten rules on e-cigarettes, vapes and hookah, raise penalties (up to N$500,000 and possible jail), and expand smoke-free zones to 50 metres around health and education sites. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Namibia continues to push for open conversations on suicide and mental health, with police highlighting stigma and “silence” as major barriers to getting help. Gender & Health Equity Context: New WEF Global Gender Gap Index 2026 coverage puts full parity at 120 years away globally, while Namibia is ranked among the top performers—an important backdrop for health and social outcomes. Cuba Healthcare Support: Namibia’s solidarity push for Cuba continues after reports that sanctions are severely straining Cuba’s healthcare system, with large surgical waiting lists and shortages affecting children and elderly patients. Community Wellness: UNAM Katima Mulilo Campus hosts a wellness week focused on mental health, leadership and wellbeing, including sessions for young men.

Tobacco crackdown: Namibia’s Ministry of Health wrapped up nationwide consultations on proposed amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act, with written inputs still open until 22 September; the draft would tighten rules on nicotine and emerging products like vapes and hookah, expand smoke-free zones (including 50m around health and education facilities), and raise penalties—up to N$500,000 and even 10 years in prison for sellers. Mental health push: UNAM Katima Mulilo Campus hosted a wellness week focused on mental health, leadership and overall wellbeing, including a “Men’s Talk” encouraging young men to manage pressure and seek support. Suicide prevention: Namibia marked World Suicide Prevention Day with calls to break silence around mental health and encourage open conversations at home, schools and workplaces. NCD prevention in communities: Keetmanshoop launched a national integrated campaign for non-communicable diseases and Oral Health Day, urging people to use services like blood pressure and blood glucose checks. Ovarian cancer alert: Cancer Association of Namibia says ovarian cancer killed about 30 Namibians in 2024, with 50 new cases recorded—highlighting the need for awareness and early detection. Housing & sanitation response: The Prime Minister told Parliament government allocated N$34 million for sanitation and interventions in informal settlements after the housing and sanitation state of emergency, including work in areas previously flagged as cholera hotspots. Workplace health & safety: China Railway workers in Namibia downed tools after a colleague died in an accident involving an exploding pressure container, raising concerns about management response and worker support. Gender equality lens: New WEF reporting says the global gender gap is 69.2% closed but full parity could still take 120 years; Namibia is ranked among the top performers globally, while gaps remain in economic participation and political empowerment.

Sanitation & housing emergency: Prime Minister Ngurare told Parliament that government has allocated N$34 million for sanitation and housing interventions in informal settlements, including areas previously flagged as cholera hotspots, stressing sanitation and water as human-rights duties. NCD push in Keetmanshoop: Health deputy minister Susan Ndjaleka launched Namibia’s National Integrated Campaign for Non-Communicable Diseases, urging people to use combined services like blood pressure and blood glucose checks plus oral health screening. Child ICU upgrade: Windhoek Central Hospital’s Paediatric ICU received N$500,000 in monitoring equipment from the Bank of Namibia and FNB to improve vital-sign tracking and response for critically ill children. Breast cancer focus: Namibia records about 701 new breast cancer cases annually; the Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre and Cancer Association of Namibia expanded the Namibia Breast Clinic Programme and donated 680 biopsy needle units worth N$300,000. Public health policy debate: MPs opposed a presidential directive requiring senior officials to use state health facilities, arguing shortages of medicines, equipment and staff make it unworkable. FIMA clarification: Namibia Health Plan says FIMA will not bring immediate changes for members, but is engaging the public and media to explain what’s coming. Menstrual health: Keetmanshoop marked Global Menstrual Health Day with a message of dignity—no shame, no teasing, and boys urged to support respectful school environments. Animal welfare at Oshakati hospital: SPCA launched a sterilisation campaign using Trap-Neuter-Return to manage feral cats around wards and reduce health risks. Food & health via school meals: A regional push highlights school feeding as a practical way to improve nutrition and curb rising non-communicable diseases. Product safety recall: COMESA alert extended a recall of WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after bacteria detection, advising vulnerable users to stop using it.

Paediatric care boost: Windhoek Central Hospital’s Paediatric ICU received N$500,000 in monitoring equipment from the Bank of Namibia and FNB, helping track vital signs and respond faster for critically ill children. Public health access: Namibia inaugurated its first state-owned MRI facility at Windhoek Central Hospital (N$49.8m), after government spent over N$80m in five years referring more than 4,000 patients to private MRI scans. Cancer focus: Namibia’s breast clinic programme is expanding to multiple hospitals, with CAN donating 680 breast biopsy needle units worth N$300,000 to strengthen earlier diagnosis. Women’s health: Keetmanshoop marked Global Menstrual Health Day with a push to end shame and teasing, urging supportive school environments and respectful dialogue. NHP and FIMA clarity: Namibia Health Plan says FIMA will not bring immediate changes for members, and is engaging journalists to explain the new rules clearly. Tobacco tax push: Regional policymakers met in Windhoek to discuss higher tobacco taxes to cut smoking and fund public services amid rising non-communicable diseases. Animal welfare in hospitals: SPCA launched a sterilisation campaign using Trap-Neuter-Return for Oshakati hospital cats to reduce health risks without removing animals. Labour and safety: Labour Ministry reported 3,487 jobseekers registered and 706 vacancies in Q1, plus workplace inspections and child labour cases handled with social support. Livestock disease planning: Namibia is considering a foot-and-mouth disease levy to fund prevention and veterinary services, with details still under consultation. Mental health and safety signals: Crime briefs highlighted multiple suicide and violence cases, underscoring ongoing GBV and self-harm concerns.

State MRI milestone: Namibia inaugurated its first government-owned MRI at Windhoek Central Hospital, after spending N$49.8m on the machine and upgrades; over the past five years, more than 4,000 patients were referred to private facilities at a cost above N$80m. Cancer focus: Namibia records about 701 new breast cancer cases annually, and a national Breast Clinic Programme is expanding earlier screening and faster biopsy access, with CAN donating 680 biopsy needle units worth N$300,000. Menstrual health: Keetmanshoop marked Global Menstrual Health Day with a clear message: menstruation is natural, no girl should be shamed, and boys should help end teasing and myths. Tobacco tax push: Policymakers met in Windhoek to argue for higher tobacco taxes to cut smoking and fund public services while tackling rising non-communicable diseases. NHP clarifies FIMA: Namibia Health Plan says FIMA won’t bring immediate changes for members, and it’s engaging media to explain the new rules clearly. Labour & safety updates: The Labour Ministry reported 3,487 new jobseekers registered and 706 vacancies, plus workplace inspections and resolved complaints, alongside ongoing safety concerns. GBV tragedy in weekend reports: National Prayer Day weekend saw multiple deaths and attacks, including a shooting in Okongo and other serious incidents reported by police. Livestock resilience: Namibia is considering a foot-and-mouth disease levy to strengthen veterinary services and preparedness, with the rate still under consultation.