AGP Executive Report

Education & Health Tech: Namibian students at the National Science Fair showcased practical projects—from a solar-powered recycled-material math game to sensor-based irrigation systems—turning everyday classroom and community problems into solutions. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Police reported 486 suicide cases in 2025/26, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urging open conversations, especially for men and boys, and calling for stigma-free support alongside the newly passed Mental Health Bill. Healthcare Access Upgrade: Namibia inaugurated its first state-owned MRI machine at Windhoek Central Hospital, with plans to install a second unit in Oshakati to cut referrals and travel costs. Disability Services: The Ministry launched a standardised digital disability assessment system to reduce delays, travel, and inconsistent decisions, using WHO functionality tools. HIV Funding & Data Dispute: Namibia rejected US demands for health data and pathogen sharing during HIV programme talks; the US says it will phase out $45m support after 2027. Medical Aid Regulation: NHP clarified how FIMA affects claims assessment for medical aid funds, stressing cover won’t change immediately and members should use official updates. Community Nutrition: In Kavango East, a mother started a soup kitchen feeding 240 children twice weekly after receiving support from Orange Babies Namibia.

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Namibia marked Suicide Prevention Day with police reporting 486 suicide cases in 2025/26 and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urging open conversations, especially for men and boys, alongside the recently passed Mental Health Bill. Public Health Access: Windhoek Central Hospital inaugurated Namibia’s first state-owned MRI machine, with government saying it will cut the need for patients to travel or pay private-sector prices, and plans for a second MRI in Oshakati. Disability Services: Namibia launched a standardised medical assessment system for persons with disabilities, using WHODAS 2.0 and a digital programme to reduce delays, travel, and inconsistent decisions. Medical Aid Regulation: NHP clarified how the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) will affect claims assessment from 30 April 2027, stressing members should keep using existing processes until notified. Tobacco & Health Financing: Southern Africa was urged to raise tobacco taxes to reduce smoking and fund health and social services, with a focus on the gender impact on women and children. Menstrual Health: The Deputy Minister of Health called for school support for girls during Global Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Day, including accurate information and tackling stigma. HIV Funding & Data Sharing: Namibia rejected US demands for access to health data and pathogen information as the US plans to phase out HIV support after 2027.

Healthcare Infrastructure: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated Namibia’s first state-owned MRI machine at Windhoek Central Hospital, a major step toward more equitable access to specialised care. Disability Access: The Ministry of Health launched a standardised disability assessment system and a digital medical assessment programme to cut waiting times, reduce travel, and improve consistency of decisions nationwide. Education & Health Workforce: UNAM reported student growth to 31,127 in 2026, crediting subsidised tertiary education; the university’s mix includes a sizeable Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine share. Public Health Policy: Namibia joined regional calls to raise tobacco taxes to curb use and fund health and social services, with a clear focus on protecting families and women. Financial Protection for Members: Namibia Health Plan clarified how the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) affects medical aid funds, stressing no immediate change to cover and urging members to use official updates. Road Safety & Fraud: Opinion pieces spotlight the danger of fraudulent driver’s licences and the need for stronger safeguards. Local Governance & Services: Windhoek signed a land-swap deal with government to settle N$357.8m capital debt, with a shortfall that may require additional land transfers.

New MRI service: Namibia has inaugurated its first government-owned and operated MRI service at Windhoek Central Hospital, a major step for faster diagnosis and better access to specialist imaging. Tobacco control push: Southern Africa is being urged to raise tobacco taxes to cut smoking, protect families (including women and children), and generate revenue for health and social services. Medical aid clarity: Namibia Health Plan (NHP) says the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) won’t immediately change members’ cover, but it has set up an information hub to prevent misinformation and explain future rule or contribution updates. Tobacco law updates: Namibia’s Health Ministry is consulting on stronger smoking restrictions, including bans in more public and workplace areas and expanded smoke-free zones around health and education facilities. Menstrual health support: The Deputy Minister of Health called for girl-friendly, supportive school environments and better access to menstrual health and hygiene information and products. Disease elimination training: GLIDE concluded its Disease Elimination & Eradication Course in Rwanda, with a Namibia team among participants focused on turning policy into practical public health action. Rural school facilities: Erongo rural schools received classroom and storeroom upgrades through the MTC Rural School Project and MVA Fund support. Public health systems: Namibia is also dealing with preventable maternal deaths, with health leaders highlighting the need for stronger prevention and care pathways. Mental health in court: An alleged State House intruder was declared a State patient after a court found him unfit to stand trial due to schizophrenia and substance use disorder. FMD and veterinary fencing: A veterinary cordon fence tender controversy is raising questions about procurement fairness tied to Foot-and-Mouth Disease safeguards.

Tobacco Control: Namibia’s Ministry of Health proposes stronger anti-smoking rules, including bans in indoor public places and workplaces, plus wider outdoor limits around health facilities, schools/childcare and transport hubs—aimed at protecting young people as new nicotine and tobacco products enter the market. Disability Access: The health ministry has launched a digital disability assessment system, but youth with disabilities warn rural connectivity, limited digital skills and weak follow-up support could block access to assistive devices and rehabilitation. Maternal & Child Health: El Niño-linked drought and heat could push more patients into hospitals, so authorities are urged not to wait for a crisis—while Witvlei Clinic reports daily malnutrition cases and links child illness to poverty, food insecurity and poor sanitation. Diabetes & Hypertension Awareness: Merck Foundation, with Africa’s First Ladies, announced winners of its 2025 Fashion, Song and Film Awards focused on “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes & Hypertension,” and opened the next application call. Public Health Capacity: Namibia’s nursing leaders are part of an international public health policy and management programme in India, strengthening leadership and system skills. Wellness Through Sport: NUST sent a 70-member staff team to Johannesburg for inter-university staff games, framing sport as employee wellness and teamwork. Health & Justice: A court declared alleged State House intruder Giano Seibeb a State patient after findings related to schizophrenia and substance use disorder.

El Niño & Health Preparedness: Namibia is bracing for a hotter, drier 2026/27 rainfall season as El Niño strengthens, with health officials urged not to wait for a crisis—drought and water/food insecurity could mean more patients and higher pressure on hospitals, so medicines and planning must be in place now. Malnutrition at Clinic Level: Witvlei Clinic in Omaheke is treating around 10–15 malnourished babies daily, linking cases to poverty, unstable household income, poor hygiene and diarrhoea risk—showing how food insecurity is hitting child health fast. Disability Care Goes Digital (But Risks Exclusion): The health ministry launched a digital disability assessment system, but advocates warn rural connectivity, limited digital skills and weak follow-up support could block access to assistive devices, rehab and social services. Tobacco & Vaping Crackdown: Namibia’s health ministry is consulting on amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act to test and control (or ban) vapes and related products, with tougher enforcement aimed at protecting youth. HIV Funding Transition: Namibia’s HIV response is entering a new phase as the US plans to phase out $45m direct funding after 2027, shifting to technical support while Namibia integrates services into the national health system. Maternal Health Focus: Health ministry reporting highlights that 54% of maternal deaths are preventable, reinforcing the need for stronger care and prevention efforts. Local Health & Safety Partnerships: Government and partners are pushing emergency care improvements, while City of Windhoek staff wellness support is being strengthened through a workplace banking partnership.

Maternal health: Namibia’s health ministry says care gaps are found in 80% of fatal maternal cases, with delays in spotting danger signs and weak referral pathways among the problems. Climate & health preparedness: Meteorologists warn the 2026/27 season could be hotter and drier, driven by strengthening El Niño, and independent voices urge the health sector to stock medicines now rather than wait for a crisis. Child nutrition in Omaheke: Witvlei Clinic treats about 10–15 malnourished babies daily, linking cases to poverty, unstable household income, and poor sanitation that also drives diarrhoea. Disability services: The ministry has launched a digital disability assessment system, but advocates warn rural connectivity, limited digital skills, and weak follow-up support could block access to assistive devices and rehabilitation. HIV transition: Namibia and the US say direct US funding of $45m for 2027 will end, shifting to technical support as Namibia integrates HIV services into its national system. Tobacco & vaping control: Namibia is consulting on amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act to test, control, or ban non-conventional tobacco products and tighten rules around youth access. Fisheries biosecurity & reform: Namibia reviews fishing rights amid “paper quota” concerns, while foot-and-mouth prevention expands with accredited truck disinfection facilities. Sports & wellness angle: FNB and the City of Windhoek partner on workplace banking and financial literacy for employee wellbeing.

Maternal Health: Namibia’s health ministry says 54% of maternal deaths are preventable, with care gaps like delays in spotting danger signs and weak referral pathways still costing lives. Obstetric Emergency Care: The Safe-Birth Africa Project is training health workers nationwide on postpartum haemorrhage response using the WHO E-MOTIVE bundle, aiming to cut preventable deaths from obstetric bleeding. HIV Services Transition: The US plans to phase out $45m in direct HIV funding for Namibia after 2027, shifting to technical support—raising fears of service disruptions for the 29,000+ people who rely on donor-backed programmes. Disability Access: A new digital disability assessment system has launched, but advocates warn rural connectivity, device access, and weak follow-up support could block people from getting the help they need. Nutrition at Clinics: Witvlei Clinic in Omaheke treats around 10–15 malnourished babies daily, linking cases to poverty, unstable household income, and poor sanitation. Climate & Health Preparedness: Experts warn El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions and more pressure on hospitals—urging Namibia not to wait for a crisis before stocking medicines and planning for rising patients. Tobacco & Vaping Controls: Namibia is consulting on tougher Tobacco Products Control Act amendments to test, control, or ban non-conventional nicotine products, with stronger enforcement urged to protect young people. Fisheries & Food Safety: Namibia’s fisheries sector is pushing for stronger biosecurity and ecosystem-aware catch decisions, while rabies concerns from rabid Cape fur seals and sardine die-offs highlight growing public health and environmental risks. Education & Rights for Children: Amnesty reports Angolan children in Namibia face barriers to birth registration, education, and healthcare—leaving some vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking.

Maternal Health: Namibia is training health workers nationwide on postpartum haemorrhage and obstetric emergencies using the WHO E-MOTIVE bundle, after a review found 54% of maternal deaths were preventable with better clinical care. HIV Funding Transition: The US plans to phase out $45m direct HIV funding for Namibia in 2027, shifting to technical support as Namibia reports strong testing, treatment and viral suppression figures. Disability Services: Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched new guidelines and a digital medical assessment programme to speed up and standardise disability evaluations for social protection access. Tobacco & Vaping Controls: Namibia is consulting on amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act to test, control or ban non-conventional nicotine products, with tougher penalties for retailers and businesses. Emergency Care Partnership: The Ministry of Health and the MVA Fund signed an MoU to strengthen ambulance services and trauma care support in Windhoek. Rabies Alert (Seals): Scientists report an unusual rabies outbreak among seals in the Benguela ecosystem, warning people not to touch sick or dead animals. Fisheries & Ocean Health: Fisheries stakeholders are pushing for ocean ecosystem data (including biodiversity and chemistry) to be considered when setting Namibia’s Total Allowable Catch. Youth Mental Health: A parliamentarian says the Mental Health Bill should expand access via trained mental health nurses and social workers at primary level, plus school-based support. Road Safety: Oshikoto mourns a fatal head-on crash that killed four family members, urging stricter adherence to road rules.

Maternal health: Namibia found major care gaps in 80% of fatal maternal cases, with delays in spotting danger signs and weak referral contributing to preventable deaths—especially in Omaheke and Zambezi. Obstetric training: Safe-Birth Africa launched a 3-day national training (7–9 Sept) to strengthen health workers’ response to postpartum haemorrhage using the WHO E-MOTIVE bundle, after a confidential review said 54% of maternal deaths reviewed were preventable. Disability support: Vice President Lucia Witbooi rolled out new guidelines and a digital medical assessment programme to fix delays and inconsistent criteria in disability assessments, aiming for fairer, faster access to social protection. HIV funding risk: The US plans to phase out about US$45m for Namibia’s HIV response after a data-sharing dispute, putting over 29,000 people at risk of losing key services. Rabies alert: Scientists warn of an unusual rabies outbreak among Cape fur seals along the Benguela Current, urging people not to touch or approach sick or dead seals. Malaria update: Namibia reported 122 deaths and 122,612 cases this year as the 2026 indoor spraying campaign prepares to cover 1.2 million households. Emergency care: The MHSS and the MVA Fund signed an MoU to strengthen ambulance services and trauma care for crash victims in Windhoek. Nursing recognition: Namibian nurse Josephine Angula was named among the top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026. Road safety: A Rundu delivery tragedy is under investigation after a premature baby allegedly died after being cut during delivery at Rundu Intermediate Hospital.

Rabies Alert: Scientists report an unusual rabies outbreak among seals in the Benguela Current, with Namibia now seeing cases after South Africa first detected the disease—health officials warn the public not to touch or approach sick or dead seals. Disability Access Reform: Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched new guidelines and a digital medical assessment programme to fix delays and inconsistencies in disability evaluations, aiming for fairer, faster, more accountable access to social protection. Child Mental Health & School Support: Junior National Council MPs pushed for early warning systems to prevent school dropouts and stronger mental health and psychosocial support for children and adolescents, including more trained specialists. Road Safety Tragedies: Multiple crashes left fatalities and serious injuries, including three deaths in a Chetto (Bwabwata) collision and a pupil’s death in the Zambezi region after an overturned vehicle; authorities urge caution and faster emergency response. Malaria Update: Namibia recorded 122 malaria deaths and 122,612 cases this year as government prepares indoor residual spraying for 1.2 million households. HIV Funding Shift: The US will phase out $45m annual financial support for Namibia’s HIV response after 2027, moving to technical cooperation as Namibia resists data-sharing demands.

Malaria surge: Namibia has recorded 122,612 malaria cases and 122 deaths this year, with 9,956 hospital admissions, as the 2026 indoor residual spraying campaign rolls out in malaria-prone regions. Health system strain: Otjiwarongo State Hospital staff describe a severe doctor shortage—eight doctors covering roles meant for 40—as malaria and other illnesses drive long waits and rushed care. HIV funding shift: The US will phase down about $45m in annual HIV support for Namibia, moving to technical cooperation after Namibia rejected proposed data-sharing terms; the transition aims to keep HIV services running through Namibia’s own health system. Emergency care upgrade: Namibia’s Health Ministry and the MVA Fund signed an agreement to strengthen ambulance services, trauma equipment, training, and patient transport after road crashes. Mental health law: Namibia’s Mental Health Bill is advancing, with calls for equitable access so rural communities get real services—not just a new law. Road safety and injuries: Okapya Liner has issued an apology after a fatal Ondangwa crash injured six people, while officials stress that survival shouldn’t depend on distance to care. Biosecurity for livestock: Namibia is strengthening foot-and-mouth disease safeguards by assessing South African truck wash and disinfection facilities for possible accreditation.

Malaria Update: Namibia has recorded 122 malaria deaths and 122,612 confirmed cases this year, with 9,956 hospital admissions, as the 2026 indoor residual spraying campaign rolls out to protect households in malaria-prone regions. HIV Funding Shift: The US will phase down its $45 million annual support for Namibia’s HIV response after 2027, moving to technical cooperation as Namibia integrates services into its national health system—after a dispute over health data sharing. Emergency Care Deal: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and the MVA Fund signed an agreement to strengthen ambulance services, trauma equipment, training, and transport of injured patients. Surgery Milestone: Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo introduced complex knee surgeries and total hip replacements after training local orthopaedic surgeons through an Africa Marathon initiative. Road Safety & Health Access: Namibia is also acknowledging that distance and delays in emergency care worsen crash outcomes, while an apology followed a fatal Ondangwa bus crash that injured six others. Mental Health Law: Namibia’s Mental Health Bill is moving forward, with calls for real equity in access—especially for rural communities. Animal Health Biosecurity: Namibia is strengthening foot-and-mouth disease safeguards by accrediting livestock truck wash and disinfection facilities in South Africa to reduce import risk. Local Health Workforce Strain: Otjiwarongo State Hospital is reported to be operating with only eight doctors instead of 40, leaving staff stretched across departments as malaria and other illnesses surge.

HIV Funding Shift: Namibia and the US announced a phased reduction of US financial support for Namibia’s HIV response, with about USD 45 million still provided in 2027 before support transitions to technical cooperation only, after Namibia rejected proposed data-sharing and specimen access terms. Emergency Care Upgrade: The Ministry of Health and Social Services and the MVA Fund signed an agreement to strengthen ambulance services, trauma equipment, facility improvements, training, and continued treatment for road-crash victims. Malaria Update: Namibia recorded 122,612 malaria cases this year, including 9,956 hospital admissions and 100+ deaths, as the 2026 Indoor Residual Spraying campaign rolls out and officials urge communities to support prevention efforts. Mental Health Law Push: Namibia’s Mental Health Bill has moved forward, with public debate stressing that access must be equitable and not depend on where people live. Court on Medical Negligence Timing: A Windhoek High Court dismissed the government’s special plea in a N$13 million claim over a broken surgical needle left inside a patient after surgery at a state hospital. Health Workforce Strain: Otjiwarongo State Hospital staff describe severe doctor shortages, with only eight doctors available against a requirement of 40, leaving clinicians to cover multiple departments.

HIV Funding Shift: Namibia and the US announced a phased reduction of US financial assistance for Namibia’s HIV response, moving from funding to technical cooperation as Namibia integrates HIV care into its national health system after hitting 96-98-98 targets. Emergency Care Upgrade: The Ministry of Health and the MVA Fund signed an agreement to strengthen emergency response and trauma care, including ambulance support, equipment, facility improvements, training, and transport of injured patients. Malaria Surge: Namibia recorded 122,612 malaria cases this year, with 9,956 hospital admissions and nearly 100 deaths, as the 2026 Indoor Residual Spraying campaign was launched and officials urged communities to support IRS and ignore myths. Health System Strain: Otjiwarongo State Hospital staff described “zombified” conditions amid a severe doctor shortage—only eight doctors where 40 are needed—while malaria and other illnesses drive heavy patient loads. Mental Health Law Push: Namibia’s Mental Health Bill advanced, with public debate stressing equity in access and the need for real implementation beyond passing a law. Road Safety & Injury Risk: A court case continues after a needle allegedly left inside a patient during surgery at Katutura Intermediate Hospital, highlighting ongoing concerns about medical negligence and patient follow-up. Sanitation in Rundu: Flushh brought hygiene and sanitation education to Ndama settlement, tackling open defecation and linking sanitation to health and dignity.

Malaria Surge: Namibia has recorded 122,612 malaria cases this year, with 9,956 hospital admissions and over 100 deaths, as the 2026 Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaign rolls out in Divundu—health officials stress malaria is preventable and urge communities to stop spreading myths and allow IRS in homes. HIV Funding Shift: Namibia and the US announced a phased reduction of US financial assistance for Namibia’s HIV response, moving over the next year from funding to technical cooperation as Namibia integrates HIV care into its national health system after hitting 96-98-98 targets. Mental Health Law Push: Namibia’s Mental Health Bill is advancing after approval steps in the National Council and House of Review, with commentary calling for real equity in access—especially for rural communities—backed by funding, staff and facilities. Hospital Staffing Strain: Otjiwarongo State Hospital is operating with a severe doctor shortage—eight doctors where 40 are needed—leaving staff to cover multiple departments and patients to wait longer for care. Cancer Support Boost: Bank Windhoek’s Cancer Apple Project raised a record N$4 million for the Cancer Association of Namibia, bringing total support since 2000 to N$42.4 million to expand screening, awareness and patient assistance. Digital Trust for Health Services: CRAN launched DigiNam: Trust is Now Digital, using Namibia’s public key infrastructure to secure online identities, signatures and transactions—aimed at strengthening confidence in digital services. Sanitation in Action: Flushh brought sanitation education to Ndama settlement in Rundu, tackling open defecation and hygiene risks with community-led awareness.