AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Care Access: Namibia’s health ministry says it has received 47 critical medicine lines, with more cancer drugs en route, while a separate report flags a healthcare procurement scandal and calls for a full investigation into persistent governance problems in medicine buying. Maternal & Community Health: Merck Foundation marked World Health Day 2026 with scholarships and capacity-building, noting Namibia among the countries benefiting from its “More Than a Mother” work. Health Workforce Stories: A Windhoek nurse’s journey from hairdressing and retail to Katutura Intermediate Hospital highlights how determination can overcome barriers to training. Climate & Health Risk: New research links worsening heat stress worldwide to longer, hotter heatwaves, with humid heat flagged as especially dangerous for people. Water, Sanitation & Disease Prevention: Windhoek’s Epandulo informal settlement is still waiting on toilets and proper waste collection after 33 years, with residents reporting children getting diarrhoea and vomiting. Local Governance & Service Delivery: Oshana’s governor used the State of the Region Address to demand faster delivery on hospitals, roads, water and jobs, citing procurement bottlenecks. Food & Nutrition: Ongwediva launched a backyard gardening project to improve food security, supported by seed and tool donations. Youth, SRHR & Mental Health: Zimbabwe began youth dialogues on SRHR and HIV governance under “Nothing For Us Without Us,” while Namibia’s youth council election in Swakopmund turned violent, leaving delegates injured. Safety & Emergency Response: All 96 Fish River Canyon hikers were rescued after heavy rains and dam releases created dangerous downstream water levels. Food Safety & Wellness Markets: Meatco secured a Woolworths Food Safety “Blue Rating,” supporting expansion of Namibian beef into premium retail.

Essential Medicines Update: Namibia’s Ministry of Health says it has received and distributed 47 critical medicine and clinical supply line items (27 medicines, 20 clinical supplies) between 4–17 June, including multiple anti-cancer drugs, with more deliveries expected soon. Road Safety & Injuries: Weekend crashes across Omusati, //Kharas, Khomas, Hardap and Oshana left multiple deaths and injuries, including two police officers killed on the C-13 and a fatal crash in Katutura. Wellness & Trauma Support: The B.A.B.Y Book and Wellness Centre in Namibia is spotlighting healing from sexual abuse and trauma, urging more reporting and support for survivors, including boys. Food Security Through Gardening: Ongwediva launched a backyard gardening project for 80 residents, donated seeds and tools worth N$60,000, aiming to improve access to healthier food and build self-reliance. Public Health & Climate Risk: New research links global warming to longer, more intense heat stress, warning that humid heat can be especially dangerous for people. Youth & Community Health: Boys to Men calls for empowering girls and boys to reduce violence and social instability, while Oshana’s governor highlights health care infrastructure as a regional priority. Governance in Health Procurement: A Namibian think tank urges an in-depth investigation into healthcare procurement, calling it a persistent governance challenge.

GBV & trauma recovery: The B.A.B.Y Book and Wellness Centre in Namibia is pushing open conversations on sexual abuse and healing from trauma, saying many cases happen within families and go unreported. Public health medicines: Namibia’s Health Ministry says it has received and distributed 47 critical medicine and clinical supply line items (including anti-cancer drugs) between 4 and 17 June, with more deliveries expected. Road safety & injuries: A weekend crash report details multiple deaths across regions, while a separate campaign is calling for pedestrian bridges instead of speed humps on the B1 highway, citing injuries and hospital costs. Men’s health & wellbeing: Namibia marks Men’s Health Awareness Month with mental health support sessions for staff, alongside broader calls to break the silence around men’s mental health. Youth empowerment & health education: A Real Madrid Foundation football clinic in Oshakati is using sport for healthy lifestyles and life-skills, and UN4U/SDG outreach in Windhoek urged pupils to tackle issues including access to healthcare. Governance in healthcare: A Namibian think tank is urging a deep investigation into healthcare procurement, warning transparency and oversight are still failing.

Essential Medicines: Namibia’s Ministry of Health says 47 critical medicine and clinical supply line items (including multiple anti-cancer medicines) were delivered and distributed to public facilities between 4–17 June, with more expected soon as stock-outs are tackled. Cancer Burden: Namibia is reported to record about 1,900 cancer deaths, while the health minister also highlighted rising breast and cervical cancer cases and the need to strengthen the full chain of cancer care. Road Safety & Injury Care: Weekend crashes across Omusati, //Kharas, Khomas, Hardap and Oshana left multiple people dead and injured, including police officers, with victims receiving treatment at hospitals. Public Health in Prisons: Justice officials say correctional facilities are overcrowded and in poor condition, raising concerns about airborne disease spread, alongside shortages of officers and staff housing. Mental Health & Men: Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month spotlights stigma and low help-seeking, urging more support for anxiety, depression and stress. Responsible Gambling: A Windhoek conference discussed rising gambling access and addiction risks, with calls for stronger cooperation and possible law changes. Health Workforce Inspiration: A Windhoek nurse’s story highlights how persistence and training can overcome hardship to serve patients. WASH for Children: Windhoek’s junior mayor urges practical action to improve water, sanitation and hygiene in schools to protect learning and dignity.

Cancer medicines update: Namibia’s Ministry of Health says it has received and distributed 47 critical medicine line items (27 medicines, 20 clinical supplies) from 4–17 June, including multiple anti-cancer medicines, while urgent procurement continues to close remaining stock-outs. Gambling harm focus: A Responsible Gambling conference in Windhoek (17–18 June) heard how online betting and easier access are driving addiction risks in households, with health and other ministries involved and plans for recommendations. Road safety enforcement: Police launched a nationwide drink-driving campaign with breathalyser testing at nine checkpoints from July to January 2027, targeting 300+ drivers per roadblock and noting Namibia lacks reliable data on DUI’s true impact. GBV and youth mental health: Young Namibians were urged to break the cycle of gender-based violence and address trauma early, while men’s mental health advocates called for more help-seeking without shame. Breast and cervical cancer burden: The health minister reported over 553 women diagnosed with breast cancer annually and about 350 with cervical cancer, warning the need to strengthen the full cancer care chain. Public health in schools: Windhoek’s junior mayor urged practical WASH action—clean water access, proper sanitation and handwashing facilities—so children can learn in dignified, hygienic environments. Correctional health risk: Namibia’s justice minister said correctional facilities are overcrowded and in poor condition, raising concerns about airborne disease spread and highlighting shortages of officers and housing. Sports for healthy living: The Real Madrid Foundation Football Clinic wrapped up in Oshakati, using football and life skills to promote healthy lifestyles and youth development.

Medicine supply update: Namibia’s Health Ministry says it received and distributed 47 critical medicine line items (27 medicines, 20 clinical supplies) between 4 and 17 June, including multiple anti-cancer drugs, while urgent procurement continues to clear remaining stock-outs. Cancer burden: Namibia recorded 1,900 cancer deaths, with new figures also pointing to rising breast and cervical cancer cases and projections showing a steep increase in future cancer load unless care pathways are strengthened. Road safety and health impact: A road-safety commentary highlights how road deaths and injuries keep climbing despite campaigns, noting 143 deaths and 1,467 injuries in the first four months of 2026 and warning that injuries can push families into long-term hardship. Men’s mental health: The Health Ministry marked Men’s Health Awareness Month with a mental health session for male staff, urging open discussion and help-seeking without stigma. Responsible gambling: A Windhoek summit frames gambling addiction as a public health and mental wellness issue, with plans for a dedicated task force and stronger consumer protection. Youth sport for wellness: The Real Madrid Foundation Football Clinic opened in Oshakati, using football and life-skills to promote teamwork, healthy lifestyles and youth empowerment. GBV prevention: Young Namibians are urged to break the cycle of gender-based violence by challenging harmful norms and addressing trauma early through counselling and community action. Correctional health strain: Namibia’s correctional facilities are reported as overcrowded and under-resourced, raising concerns about the spread of airborne diseases and the shortage of correctional officers. Roadside drink-driving crackdown: Police will test drivers for alcohol at checkpoints until January 2027, targeting DUI as a key contributor to crashes.

Youth & Sport: Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge closed the Real Madrid Foundation Football Clinic in Oshakati, a joint push with Namibia’s education and youth sport partners to keep young people active. Correctional Health & Safety: Namibia’s correctional system remains overcrowded and in poor condition, with a shortage of officers and staff housing raising concerns about how easily airborne diseases could spread during outbreaks. Road Safety (Public Health): Police are running a July 2026–Jan 2027 drink-driving campaign, targeting 300+ drivers at each checkpoint with breathalyser testing, after recent crash and death figures linked to alcohol. Responsible Gambling: A Windhoek summit is reframing gambling addiction as a public health and mental wellness issue, with plans for a dedicated task force and stronger consumer protection. Cancer Burden: Namibia’s health ministry says breast and cervical cancer cases are rising, with projections warning of a much higher future burden unless care pathways are strengthened. Men’s Mental Health: The health ministry marked Men’s Health Awareness Month with mental health sessions for male staff, urging help-seeking without stigma. GBV Prevention: Young Namibians were urged to break the cycle of gender-based violence by challenging harmful norms and addressing trauma early. WASH for Children: Windhoek’s junior mayor called for practical action on water, sanitation and hygiene in schools to protect learning and dignity.

Men’s Health: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services marked Men’s Health Awareness Month with a mental health session for male staff, urging open discussion and help-seeking without stigma. Cancer Burden: The health minister says Namibia records rising cancer cases, including 553 women with breast cancer and 350 with cervical cancer annually, with projections pointing to a steep increase by 2045 unless care pathways strengthen. GBV & Youth Mental Wellbeing: Young Namibians were urged to break the cycle of gender-based violence by challenging harmful norms and addressing trauma early through counselling and community support. Child Health & WASH: Windhoek’s junior mayor called for stronger youth action on water, sanitation and hygiene in schools, stressing accessible taps, clean toilets and handwashing supplies. Child Protection: The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare highlights violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation as major challenges, linking child wellbeing to access to education, healthcare, birth registration and WASH. Correctional Health: Namibia’s correctional service hosted a Botswana delegation benchmarking offender rehabilitation and health services, including visits to Windhoek facilities. Road Safety & Public Health: A road safety expert pushed back on speed-hump complaints, arguing driver behaviour is the real risk driver. Labour & Health: Nurses in Gobabis report long delays in overtime payments, saying it affects morale and patient care.

Debt & mental health risk: A Katutura Intermediate Hospital cleaner told a parliamentary committee that low public-servant salaries push workers into exploitative microlending debt, worsening depression and even suicide risk, and urged grade changes plus compulsory financial literacy. Men’s mental health push: Namibia’s Health Ministry marked Men’s Health Awareness Month with a mental wellness session for male staff, stressing that seeking help is a sign of strength and calling for stigma-free support. Responsible gambling as public health: A Windhoek summit is underway to tackle gambling addiction using a prevention and multi-sector approach, with the Deputy Minister of Health calling for a dedicated task force. Child protection & WASH focus: On the Day of the African Child, leaders renewed calls for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene, while the Gender ministry warned violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation remain major challenges. Labour pressure in health-adjacent services: Gobabis State Hospital nurses report long delays in overtime pay, adding financial strain amid staffing shortages. Workplace action: Furnmart staff are set to strike nationwide over salary increases and a proposed housing allowance. Community wellness event: Organisers launched the Nedbank Citi Dash in Windhoek, aiming to break the 5,000-entrant barrier and promote active living.

Men’s Health & Mental Wellness: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services marked Men’s Health Awareness Month with a mental health session for male staff, urging open conversations and help-seeking without stigma. Child Protection & Health Basics: On the Day of the African Child, Namibia’s leaders renewed calls to protect children from abuse and to expand universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene—key foundations for health and learning. Gambling as a Public Health Issue: A responsible gambling summit in Windhoek framed gambling addiction as a mental wellness and prevention challenge, with plans for a dedicated task force and stronger consumer protection. Health System Pressure: Nurses at Gobabis State Hospital report months-long delays in overtime payments, leaving staff financially strained while staffing shortages force extra shifts. Pharma Integrity Checks: President Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered NCIS background checks on about 360 health ministry officials tied to allegations of fraud and corruption in pharmaceutical services and tender processes. Period Poverty Fight: A new campaign donated sanitary pads and set up menstrual health corners to tackle stigma and period poverty. Rare Disease Care Gap: A Walvis Bay family is appealing for support for ongoing psychiatric treatment for a child after childhood cancer, citing limited local mental health facilities. Environmental Health & Disease Prevention: Environmental health practitioners petitioned government to review grading structures, arguing their roles in food safety, water quality, sanitation, vector control and outbreak investigations are not properly reflected. Wellness in the Community: The NamFitness Expo and Conference (3–4 July) will bring together fitness, nutrition and mental health groups to promote active living and disease prevention.

Public Health & Mental Wellness: Namibia’s Ministry of Health marked Men’s Health Awareness Month with a mental health session for male staff, urging open talks and help-seeking without stigma. Child Protection & WASH: On the Day of the African Child, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for stronger child rights protection and universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene, linking WASH to health and education. Health System Integrity: The President ordered NCIS background checks on about 360 health ministry officials tied to allegations of fraud and corruption in pharmaceutical services and medical tenders. Responsible Gambling: Windhoek hosted a responsible gambling summit, with the Deputy Minister of Health pushing a public-health approach and a dedicated task force for future interventions. Workforce Strain in Care: Gobabis State Hospital nurses report months-long delays in overtime payments, leaving staff financially strained while claims await treasury approval. Environmental Health: Environmental health practitioners petitioned MoHSS to review grading for their roles in food safety, water quality, sanitation, waste, vector control and disease surveillance. Community Wellness: NamFitness Expo and Conference is set for 3–4 July, aiming to “activate Namibia’s wellness” through fitness, nutrition and mental health activities. Marine Health: A local study highlights how human activity affects Cape fur seals, from entanglement and chemical pollution to underwater noise impacts.

Men’s Health & Mental Wellness: Namibia’s Health Ministry marked Men’s Health Awareness Month with a mental health session for male staff, urging open talks and help-seeking without stigma. Responsible Gambling as Public Health: A Windhoek summit is reframing gambling addiction as a mental wellness and prevention issue, with plans for a dedicated task force and stronger consumer protection. Child Protection & WASH: On the Day of the African Child, leaders renewed calls to protect children from abuse and neglect, and to push universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene as a foundation for health. Healthcare Accountability & Safety: President Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered NCIS background checks on about 360 health officials tied to allegations of fraud and tender manipulation in pharmaceutical services. Blood Shortage Alert: NamBTS says reserves are down to just three days, urging donations to avoid delayed emergencies and postponed surgeries. Staff Pay Pressure: Gobabis nurses report months-long delays in overtime payments, leaving staff financially strained while claims await treasury approval. Child Labour Focus: Namibia highlights ongoing child labour risks, especially in agriculture and domestic work, with cases reported and arrests made. Medical Supply Boost: MoHSS received a first batch of directly procured equipment to strengthen surgical, critical care and neonatal services nationwide. Road Safety Debate: A road safety expert argues speed-hump backlash is misplaced and points to driver behaviour as the real hazard. Child Mental Health Gap: A Walvis Bay mother says her son can’t access needed psychiatric care locally and must travel to Windhoek.

Overtime Pay Pressure at Gobabis State Hospital: Nurses say months-long delays in overtime payments have left staff frustrated and financially strained, with some claiming they haven’t been paid since January while claims await treasury approval. Anti-Corruption Vetting in Health Procurement: President Nandi-Ndaitwah has ordered NCIS background checks on about 360 health ministry officials tied to pharmaceutical services and alleged tender rigging and manipulated orders. Blood Supply Warning: NamBTS reports reserves have fallen to just three days and urges donations to avoid delayed emergency care, postponed surgeries and higher risk for vulnerable patients. Child Safety & Health Priorities: On the Day of the African Child, President Nandi-Ndaitwah called for stronger protection of children and universal WASH access, linking clean water and sanitation to health and dignity. Menstrual Health Push: A campaign is working to normalise period talk, donating sanitary pads and setting up menstrual health corners to tackle period poverty. Public Health Emergency Readiness: Namibia is strengthening preparedness through training for emergency management and plans to operationalise public health emergency operations centres. Environmental Health Workforce: Environmental health practitioners have petitioned MoHSS to review grading structures, arguing their qualifications and responsibilities in disease prevention and monitoring aren’t reflected in public service frameworks. Wellness Culture Spotlight: NamFitness Expo and Conference (3–4 July) will bring together fitness, nutrition, mental health and financial wellness groups under “Activate Namibia’s Wellness.”

Medical supply & procurement: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services has received the first batch of medical equipment bought directly from manufacturers, including anaesthesia machines, theatre lights, surgical and neonatal ventilators, and infant incubators—aimed at strengthening critical care and neonatal services nationwide. Blood shortage: NamBTS says reserves have fallen to just three days’ supply (below the nine-day target) and is urging voluntary blood donations to avoid delayed emergencies and postponed surgeries. Public health workforce: Environmental health practitioners and assistants have petitioned MoHSS to review the profession’s grading structure, arguing their qualifications and statutory duties in food safety, water quality, sanitation, vector control and surveillance aren’t properly reflected. Menstrual health & stigma: A campaign is donating sanitary pad packs and setting up menstrual health corners to help normalise period talk and tackle period poverty. Child health & rights: President Nandi-Ndaitwah marks the Day of the African Child by calling for greater investment in children and universal access to WASH—clean water, sanitation and hygiene—while urging stronger protection against abuse and exploitation. Road safety: Police report a weekend surge in vehicle-related incidents, including fatalities and injuries, urging motorists to obey speed limits and avoid alcohol.

Public Health Emergency Readiness: Namibia is strengthening its capacity to respond to public health emergencies through leadership training and plans to operationalise functional public health emergency operations centres, with past outbreaks ranging from anthrax and measles to malaria, cholera, mpox and polio. Health System Supply & Care: The Ministry of Health has started receiving medical equipment bought directly from manufacturers to cut delays and reduce reliance on middlemen, while NamBTS warns blood reserves have fallen to just three days and urges donations to avoid postponed surgeries and delayed emergency treatment. Child Health & Protection: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marks the Day of the African Child and the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising by calling for greater investment in children and universal WASH access, alongside stronger action against abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence; Namibia’s children make up about 42.7% of the population. Mental Health & Stigma: Catholic bishops raise alarm over a growing mental health crisis, and men are urged to seek help without shame as stigma and pressures continue to drive suffering. Clinical Services: A cataract surgical eye campaign in Rundu is restoring sight for hundreds across Kavango East and West. Accountability in Healthcare: A new SOP for managing health complaints aims to improve trust and patient-centred quality improvement rather than punishment. Road Safety Impact on Health: Police report a weekend surge in vehicle-related incidents with fatalities and injuries, underlining the health burden of crashes.

Inclusive Child Health: Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila praised Swakopmund’s Beyond Barriers Pediatric Centre, urging stronger community support and inclusive care for children with developmental and special needs. Men’s Mental Health: Namibia’s Catholic Bishops warned of a growing mental health crisis, while the Ministry of Health and Social Services urged men to seek help without shame, linking stigma and untreated stress to serious outcomes. Eye Care Access: Kavango East and West launched a cataract surgical eye campaign at Intermediate Rundu Hospital, targeting 400+ patients to prevent avoidable blindness and restore vision. Polio Prevention: Khomas and Omaheke polio vaccination campaigns ended after traces of polio type 2 were found in sewage, with officials urging parents to ensure children aged 0–10 are fully vaccinated. Patient Complaints Reform: The Health Professions Council and the Ministry rolled out a new SOP for managing complaints, stressing accountability and trust-building rather than punishment. Maternal Health Infrastructure: Rupara’s maternity ward construction is nearing completion, with plans to improve maternal and child services in Kavango West. Menstrual Health Support: Lil-Lets donated 6,000 sanitary pad packs to support menstrual health initiatives, tackling both access and stigma. Road Safety & Injuries: Police reported a weekend surge in vehicle-related incidents, including fatalities and serious injuries, urging safer driving and compliance.