AGP Executive Report

Teen Pregnancy Alarm: UNFPA estimates show 19% of Namibian girls aged 15–19 have begun childbearing, with teenage pregnancy linked to school dropouts and a growing risk to the country’s youth future. Agri-food & Nutrition Push: Namibia’s STAS strategy is being turned into an actionable programme to cut hunger, improve nutrition, and grow the sector—through climate-smart farming, reduced food loss, and more indigenous and bio-fortified foods. FMD Preparedness: Four farmers’ unions launched an FMD Support Fund, targeting N$50m, to help protect livestock and safeguard livelihoods and export markets. Hospital Care Upgrade: Rehoboth hospital received a N$3.9m upgrade to boost diagnostic services. Menstrual Health Skills: Baboon City residents trained to make reusable sanitary pads, tackling period stigma while improving access to menstrual health support. Public Health Governance: Namibia’s medical regulation and patient-safety conversation is echoed regionally, with Ghana set to host a major AMCOA forum on responsive healthcare regulation. Workplace Health & Safety: An Okahandja State Hospital nurse accused of assaulting a baby’s mother says she acted in self-defence, highlighting ongoing tensions in healthcare settings.

Teen Pregnancy Alarm: //Kharas reports 261 teenage pregnancies and 1,051 pregnancy-related school dropouts (2022–2026), with interventions still struggling to keep cases below 20 per year. Menstrual Health Skills: Baboon City residents learned to make reusable sanitary pads and recycle household materials, tackling period stigma with practical support. FMD Preparedness: Namibia’s four farmers’ unions launched an FMD Support Fund, targeting N$50m to back government prevention efforts and protect the national herd and export markets. Hospital Care & Safety: An Okahandja State Hospital nurse accused of assaulting a baby’s mother says she acted in self-defence during a ward confrontation. TB Diagnosis Boost: A new AI-plus-finger-prick TB testing project aims to speed up detection and reduce reliance on sputum samples. Public Health in Action: The President praised Oshakati Intermediate Hospital residents’ volunteer clean-up drive for helping create a healthier environment for patients. Governance & Health: Opinion pieces link health to Namibia’s GDP and call for stronger public service delivery and accountability.

Health Infrastructure Upgrade: Rehoboth’s St Mary’s Hospital has inaugurated renovated radiology and pathology units (N$3.93m), moving toward digital radiography to improve diagnostic accuracy and remote specialist review for 53,000+ residents. Youth & Sexual/Reproductive Health: Young Namibians used World Population Day in Windhoek to push for real support on teenage pregnancy, anxiety and mental health—saying adults often dismiss their struggles instead of listening. Child Protection: A new Namibia Child Care and Protection Statistics report shows girls face higher reported violence than boys over 2014–2023, with 2023 the peak year for girls. Food Security Tech (Trust Question): Namibia’s N$39.5m AI agricultural monitoring deal with US firm 6th Grain aims to strengthen crop forecasting and drought monitoring, but analysts are calling for more transparency and safeguards for local participation. Public Health Risk From Neglect: Waste around the Sarusungu floating bridge at Rundu’s border post is piling up after years without maintenance, with locals linking it to disease risks and making body recovery harder after drownings. Regional Disease Prevention: Zimbabwe reports progress against polio after synchronized vaccination efforts with Namibia and others to protect gains from cross-border virus importation.

Rehoboth Hospital upgrades: The Ministry of Health and Social Services has inaugurated renovated radiology and pathology units at St Mary’s Hospital, a N$3.93m project aimed at improving diagnostic access for over 53,000 people, including a move to digital radiography for better accuracy and remote specialist review. Polio prevention push: Zimbabwe reports progress in stopping cVDPV2 transmission and, to protect gains, joined a synchronized regional vaccination effort that includes Namibia, targeting high-risk border and urban districts for children under five. Health and justice at Okahandja: Government is asking the High Court for condonation to file late in a corpse mishandling lawsuit linked to a death at Okahandja State Hospital, with a status hearing set for 30 July. Child protection warning: A new Namibia Child Care and Protection Statistics report shows girls face higher reported violence than boys over 2014–2023, with 2023 the highest year for girls. Water delivery pressure: The Prime Minister says safe water and sanitation coverage is improving, but some communities still rely on weekly water tankers and sanitation projects face procurement and maintenance problems. Wellness in the fishing sector: Namibia’s proposed Fishing Industry Sports & Wellness Games (1–4 Oct) will include free screenings like blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, eye/hearing checks, HIV counselling, and talks on nutrition and stress for shift workers.

Agriculture & Food Security: Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture has signed a N$39.5m (US$2.4m) one-year satellite-and-AI crop monitoring deal with US firm 6th Grain, aimed at improving mahangu, maize, sorghum, cowpea and wheat forecasting, drought monitoring and planning—yet analysts are calling for more transparency, local participation and safeguards for a strategic national project. Public Health & Safety: A clean-up campaign is planned around the Sarusungu floating bridge at the Rundu border post after years of neglect left waste piling up, making it harder to retrieve drowned bodies and raising fears of disease spread. Health System & Justice: The government is asking the High Court to allow a late plea in a medical negligence case over alleged mishandling and decomposition of a mother’s body after she was declared dead on arrival at Okahandja State Hospital. Child Protection: A new report shows girls in Namibia faced higher reported violence than boys over 2014–2023, with an annual average of 1,252 cases for girls versus 711 for boys. Community Healthcare: The MoHSS is training staff in Swakopmund to roll out a Digital Community System for electronic household visits and faster referrals, including offline data capture for remote areas. Water & Sanitation: PM Elijah Ngurare says safe water access is at 91.4% nationally but some communities still rely on weekly tankers, while sanitation coverage sits at 60%, with school and clinic sanitation projects delayed by procurement and contractor issues.

Water & Sanitation: PM Elijah Ngurare says Namibia is improving access but still faces drought pressure and ageing infrastructure; safe drinking water is at 91.4% nationally, yet some communities rely on weekly tankers due to saline or low-yield groundwater, while sanitation sits at 60% amid school/clinic delays. Child Protection: A new Namibia Child Care and Protection Statistics report shows girls face higher reported violence than boys over 2014–2023, with an annual average of 1,252 cases against girls versus 711 boys. Health System Upgrade: MoHSS is modernising community healthcare with a Digital Community System to record household visits electronically, speed referrals, and reduce lost records—rolling out in phases with offline support. Public Service & Health Link: Swakopmund hosted Africa Public Service Day focused on universal water and safe sanitation by 2063, tying governance to health and dignity. Workplace Wellness: Namibia’s fishing industry plans Oct 2026 Sports & Wellness Games with free screenings (BP, blood sugar, BMI, eye/hearing, HIV counselling) for shift workers. Safety & Health Risks: A fuel tanker fire after a collision near Swakopmund left the driver injured; both drivers were taken to hospital. Funding for Health & Wellness SMEs: NIPDB urges MSMEs to apply for the N$18m SME Fund before 24 July, prioritising youth- and women-owned businesses, including health and wellness sectors. Rural Energy & Land Rights: Coverage highlights how South Africa’s solar rollout must protect communal land rights and avoid repeating dispossession.

Health Tech Upgrade: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services is modernising community healthcare with a new Digital Community System, letting community health workers capture patient details electronically (even offline) to speed referrals and improve continuity of care. Workplace Health & Safety: Namibia and Zimbabwe are strengthening labour inspection and occupational health and safety cooperation, sharing best practices under their 2020 labour agreement. Community Health Funding: The government has allocated N$10 million for a Food/Cash-for-Work programme to support vulnerable households and create community assets amid high unemployment. Public Health & Youth Risks: A parliamentary health committee has started investigating tobacco use in schools in Otjozondjupa, warning that products like hubbly-bubbly are harming learners’ health and school performance. Local Health System Strain: The Health Ministry says Rundu State Hospital is facing a medicine shortage as part of a wider national crisis. Health & Justice: Police and courts continue to process multiple cases involving alleged sexual violence and assaults, including a rape case involving a doctor and separate assault probes at hospitals. Health Workforce Recognition: Welwitchia University reports many Nkure-Nkuru campus alumni are employed in regional public health facilities, including as registered and enrolled nurses.

Digital Health Rollout: Namibia’s MoHSS is training community health system officers in Swakopmund to move referrals and patient records from paper to a new Digital Community System, improving faster handovers and continuity of care in remote areas. Community Health & Safety: A National Council committee has started investigating tobacco use in schools in Otjozondjupa, warning that hubbly-bubbly harms youth health and school performance. Health Justice & Accountability: Police warned against unauthorised sharing of crime reports after leaked details about an alleged rape case at Onandjokwe State Hospital circulated online. Workplace Health & Rights: Namibia and Zimbabwe are strengthening labour inspection and occupational health and safety cooperation, sharing best practices to better protect workers. Local Care Under Scrutiny: An Okahandja nurse pleaded guilty to assaulting a baby’s mother, while an assault case was opened against another nurse in a separate incident at Okahandja State Hospital. Health & Wellness Funding: NIPDB urges eligible MSMEs to apply for the SME Fund before 24 July, with grants and support for sectors including health and wellness.

Tobacco in schools: Namibia’s National Council health committee has started an investigative visit to schools in Otjozondjupa to assess the use of hubbly-bubbly and other tobacco products among learners, with calls for stronger protection of youth and even a ban. Public health access: The Ministry of Health says medicine shortages at Rundu State Hospital and clinics are part of a wider national problem, promising monthly updates on stock levels at Central Medical Stores. Sexual violence in healthcare: Rape accused doctor Dennis Noa appeared in court seeking bail to return to work, while the ministry says it cannot act on unproven allegations after acquittal as a second rape investigation is underway. Nursing workplace pressures: Enrolled nurses are asking for a salary scale upgrade, arguing their pay doesn’t match their responsibilities and risks. Sanitation gap: Namibia is lagging on safe water and sanitation, with about 40% of households lacking adequate sanitation and nearly 7 in 10 in marginalised communities without toilets. Local care needs: Oponona Health Outreach Centre in Oshana is appealing for basic support like chairs, curtains, electricity, fencing and toilets to keep primary healthcare running. Cost pressure on households: Windhoek residents face another squeeze as the city confirms a 4% municipal tariff increase affecting water, rates, sewerage and waste services.

Men’s Health & Justice: Rape accused doctor Dennis Noa appeared in Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody after the state opposed bail, with the case set for a formal bail application later in July; the Ministry of Health says it can’t punish professionals after acquittal but is treating allegations seriously. Patient Safety & Care: An Okahandja State Hospital nurse faces an assault probe after an alleged incident in the children’s ward involving an infant patient’s mother. Public Health & Access to Care: Rundu State Hospital and clinics are reporting a breaking-point shortage of medicines, with the Health Ministry saying it’s a nationwide issue and promising monthly stock updates. Sanitation & Disease Risk: Namibia is still lagging on safe water and sanitation, with about 40% of households lacking adequate sanitation and nearly 7 in 10 in marginalised communities without toilets. Health Equity & Inclusion: A disability expo is set for Omuthiya (28 July–2 August) to boost inclusion, business opportunities, and access to health services. Cost of Living & Health: Electricity relief reduced NamPower’s tariff increase to an average 3.7% from 1 August after N$90m government support, while Windhoek municipal tariffs rise by 4%, adding pressure to household budgets. Community Hygiene: Windhoek’s Mix settlement received sanitary pads for 200+ girls and women, highlighting how menstrual hygiene affects confidence and school attendance.

Allegations in public healthcare: Namibia’s health system is under intense scrutiny after an intern doctor at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital was arrested and remanded over alleged rape claims, following an earlier acquittal in a similar case—raising urgent questions about how institutions protect patients and maintain trust while investigations run. Medicine access crisis: The Health Ministry says the medicine shortage at Rundu State Hospital is part of a wider national problem, with patients reportedly leaving without treatment for chronic conditions; the ministry says it will share monthly stock updates. Sanitation and health: Namibia is still lagging on safe water and sanitation, with sanitation described as the biggest health-side gap; nearly 40% of households lack adequate sanitation, and marginalised communities face even worse toilet access. Workforce pressure: Enrolled nurses are asking for a salary scale upgrade, arguing their pay doesn’t match their training, responsibilities, and workplace risks. Community clinic needs: Oponona Health Outreach Centre in Oshana appeals for basic support like chairs, curtains, electricity, fencing and toilets to keep primary care running. Regional health regulation: The African Medicines Agency and Medicines for Africa sign an MoU to tackle substandard and falsified medical products across the continent. Health sector wellbeing: Namibia’s Medical Association congress highlights “Wellness in Medicine,” focusing on doctors’ holistic wellbeing and financial resilience. Public services cost pressure: Windhoek residents face higher municipal service costs as tariffs rise, adding strain to already stretched household budgets.

Public Health & Sanitation: Namibia is lagging on SDG 6, with sanitation the biggest weak spot: about 40% of households lack adequate sanitation, and in marginalised communities nearly 7 in 10 households have no toilet—prompting renewed calls for faster action as the country has declared sanitation a state of emergency. Healthcare Workforce: Enrolled nurses are pushing for a salary scale upgrade, arguing their pay (grade 10) doesn’t match their training, responsibilities, and workplace risks. Access to Care: Oponona Health Outreach Centre in Oshana says it urgently needs basic support like chairs and tables, plus curtains, electricity, fencing and public toilets to keep monthly primary care running. Health Governance & Safety: The African Medicines Agency and Medicines for Africa are teaming up to tackle the rise of substandard and falsified medical products, aiming to strengthen regulatory cooperation and protect patients. Justice & Patient Safety Concerns: Onandjokwe Hospital doctor Dennis Noa has been remanded after a rape charge, with prosecutors opposing bail; the Ministry of Health says it can’t act on unproven allegations after acquittals, but the new case is now before the courts. Cost of Living Pressure: The Electricity Control Board says government spent N$90 million to cushion consumers, reducing a proposed bulk tariff increase to 3.7% from 1 August. Local Health Leadership: Lady Pohamba Private Hospital appointed Baronice Hans as CEO effective 1 September 2026, alongside an acting clinical oversight role for Dr Marsha Koekemoer. Identity & Inclusion: Namibia’s marginalised communities profile shows progress on birth certificates (over 80% covered), but gaps remain in IDs, education, employment, technology access and living conditions.