AGP Executive Report

Road Safety Push: Namibian Police report weekend crashes across the country, including a fatal Walvis Bay motorcycle collision and a head-on B2 crash between Usakos and Arandis, urging drivers to obey speed limits, avoid alcohol, and stay at accident scenes. Men’s Mental Health: The Ministry of Health and Social Services held a Windhoek discussion urging men to seek help without shame, warning that untreated mental health struggles can harm families and communities. Eye Care Relief in Kavango: A cataract surgical campaign at Intermediate Rundu Hospital is restoring sight for hundreds, with 240 patients treated so far and a target of 400+ across Kavango East and West. Polio Vaccination Wrap-Up: Khomas and Omaheke’s targeted polio campaign ended after sewage traces of polio type 2 were detected, with no paralysis cases reported so far and children aged 0–10 still encouraged to get vaccinated. Health System Accountability: The Health Professions Council and the Health ministry rolled out a new SOP and online complaints system aimed at improving trust and patient-centred care rather than punishing staff. Medicine Supply Support: Cabinet approved Namibia’s health cooperation agreements with Egypt (pharmaceuticals and medical devices) and Africa CDC (procurement services) amid ongoing medicine shortages. Cuba Solidarity for Health Supplies: Namibia’s solidarity campaign for Cuba has raised over N$700,000 to procure critical medical supplies as sanctions continue to strain hospitals.

Polio response: Namibia’s targeted polio vaccination drive in Khomas and Omaheke has ended, after sewage samples detected polio virus type 2 in Windhoek and Gobabis; no paralysis cases have been recorded so far, and the campaign focused on children from birth to age 10 via health facilities and house-to-house points. Medicine access & shortages: Cabinet has approved health cooperation agreements with Egypt (pharmaceutical products and medical devices) and with Africa CDC (procurement services), as Namibia continues to report essential medicine stock levels around 60% and public concern over hospital shortages. Maternal care upgrade: Construction of the Rupara Maternity Ward in Kavango West is nearing completion, supported by a N$1 million Development Bank of Namibia donation, aiming to reduce maternal and infant health risks. Public health accountability: The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched a new complaints management SOP to address allegations of negligence, poor communication, discrimination, and unauthorised sharing of patient information. Road safety & health risk: A court challenge is set over speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass, with claims they are unlawful and endanger public safety—an issue that directly affects injury and emergency care demand. Malaria warning: Southern Africa is seeing a malaria rise linked to climate change, with Namibia among countries reporting higher infections as transmission seasons extend. Community health support: Namibia’s solidarity campaign for Cuba has raised over N$700,000 for urgently needed medical supplies amid US sanctions that are affecting access to fuel and medicines. Health coverage snapshot: Namibia recorded 224,078 people on medical aid in 2025 (about 7.41% of the population), with dependants making up the largest share—highlighting affordability pressure and the need for stronger competition among providers.

Public Health Accountability: Namibia’s health ministry has launched a new Standard Operating Procedure for managing patient complaints, aiming for clearer pathways, faster handling and stronger accountability after reports of neglect, poor communication and even unauthorised sharing of patient information. Medicine Supply & Partnerships: Cabinet has approved health agreements to boost access to medicines and medical devices, including cooperation with Egypt and Africa CDC procurement support, as Namibia continues to report medicine stock challenges in public facilities. Mental Health & Men’s Wellbeing: A new reflection on men’s mental health argues that the conversation must go beyond “stop suffering in silence” and focus on what men need to carry—purpose and direction that make hardship bearable. Gender-Based Violence Aftermath: A feature highlights the long-term psychological toll of rape and gender-based violence on survivors, stressing that healing often continues long after court cases end. Health Coverage Snapshot: Namibia recorded 224,078 medical aid members in 2025—about 7.41% of the population—with dependants forming the largest share, raising questions about affordability and competition among providers. Malaria Risk: Rising temperatures and climate shifts are driving malaria spikes across southern Africa, with Namibia also seeing higher infections. Workplace Rights: The ILO adopted a binding global treaty for decent work in the platform (gig) economy, covering pay, safety and health, social security and worker classification. Community Health Through Culture: Namibia’s SOS Children’s Villages hosted a Chinese Dragon Boat Festival event that combined cultural exchange with free healthcare services for vulnerable children.

Health Complaints Reform: Namibia’s health ministry has launched a new Standard Operating Procedure for handling patient complaints, aiming for clearer pathways, faster responses, and stronger confidentiality after public frustration over neglect, poor communication, discrimination, and unauthorised sharing of patient info. Medicine Supply Push: Cabinet approved health agreements to boost access to medicines and medical devices, including cooperation with Egypt on pharma and devices and procurement support via Africa CDC—coming as medicine stock levels were reported at about 60%. Malaria Warning: Rising temperatures are driving a malaria spike across southern Africa, with Namibia also seeing higher infections as climate change extends transmission seasons. Mental Health & Care: A new push to address long-term psychological harm from rape and gender-based violence highlights anxiety, depression, and trauma that can linger long after court cases end. Public Health Access for Children: A Chinese Dragon Boat Festival outreach at SOS Children’s Villages combined cultural exchange with free healthcare services for vulnerable Namibian children. Financial Stress & Safety: MPs called for an end to direct salary deductions by microlenders, warning it worsens financial strain and mental health for civil servants. Inclusion Through Sport: Lüderitz Disability Council used a sports day to promote wellbeing, belonging, and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Health Accountability: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched a Standard Operating Procedure for handling patient complaints, aiming to make reporting, investigation, and resolution faster, transparent, and confidential across public facilities. The minister acknowledged public frustration over alleged neglect, poor communication, discrimination, and unauthorised sharing of patient information, saying the new system will improve accountability and service delivery. Newborn Care Boost: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a N$30.5 million Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, expanding capacity to 28 beds and adding a Mother’s Lodge to reduce referrals to Windhoek for premature and seriously ill newborns. Youth Health & Harm Reduction: WHO warned that vaping among Namibian teens is being driven by targeted industry tactics, citing 2024 survey findings that 23% of students aged 13–17 use vaping products. Disability Inclusion: Namibia’s youth with disability group marked Disability Day by calling out barriers to healthcare, education, and jobs, arguing exclusion is locking young people into poverty cycles. Health in the Wider World: A Windhoek appeal highlighted Cuba’s humanitarian crisis, with organisers saying urgent medical supplies are being procured after postponed surgeries due to shortages. Climate & Health Link: Namibia launched a drought-resilient farming support programme, including water-efficient technologies and training—relevant for nutrition and long-term health resilience.

Neonatal Care Boost: Swakopmund District Hospital has opened a new N$30.5m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with 28 beds, including high-care and intensive care, plus a Mother’s Lodge—aimed at cutting referrals to Windhoek and improving survival for premature and sick newborns. Accountability in Health Services: Namibia’s Ministry of Health launched a complaints management system with a standard operating procedure for receiving, documenting and resolving patient and public concerns at facilities nationwide. Tobacco & Vaping Alarm: WHO warns nicotine use among Namibian teens is being actively targeted by the tobacco and vape industry; 2024 survey data shows 23% of 13–17-year-olds use vaping products. Disability Barriers: Youth with Disability says persistent gaps in employment, education, healthcare and services keep people with disabilities out of the labour market, despite high youth unemployment. Malaria Rising: Malaria is gaining ground in southern Africa as climate shifts change rainfall and temperatures, raising transmission risk. Migration Bill Consultations: Namibia’s public consultations on a New Migration Bill have concluded, with plans for more digital visa/permit services and real-time case tracking. Road Safety Debate: Windhoek’s speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass sparked criticism as reactive and harmful to traffic flow and commuter safety. Wellness at Work: Old Mutual Namibia hosted the Vice President at its newly launched Wellness Centre, highlighting preventative and holistic employee health services.

Mental Health Law Update: Namibia’s National Assembly has adopted a mental health amendment bill to replace the 1973 Mental Health Act, with a stronger rights-based approach, tougher rules on restraint and seclusion, and a push for suicide prevention and community-based care. Cancer Warning: Health Minister Esperance Luvindao says Namibia could see over 6,300 new cancer cases annually by 2045—an 84% jump—citing late diagnosis and limited rural screening and treatment access. Medicine Supply Shock: Namibia faces its first major pharmaceutical shortage in 36 years after procurement was suspended over fraud, theft, and stock-data manipulation. Health Workforce Funding Pressure: NSFAF rejected funding for more than 200 Namibian students abroad in health-related fields, saying their courses are not on priority lists—raising fears for future doctor and specialist shortages. Community Care Training Deal: Welwitchia University and Hope Home-Based Health Care signed an agreement to strengthen nursing and social work student placements, supervision, and practical training. Men’s Mental Health Push: Psychologist Ceaseria Mutau and activist Fillemon Amoolongo warn stigma and unequal access are driving mental distress “in silence,” with services concentrated in cities. Wellness at Work: Namibia’s Vice President urged workplaces to create wellness spaces, highlighting Old Mutual’s centre as a model for preventative support during stressful workdays. Housing & Sanitation Emergency Moves: Government declared housing and sanitation national emergencies and fast-tracked sanitation funding (N$34m), aiming to improve dignity and public health across all constituencies. Road Safety Debate: Opposition MPs and road experts criticised speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass as reactive and potentially dangerous, calling for safer pedestrian bridges instead. Boys’ Education Gap: First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah urged action on boys falling behind in education, citing graduation and dropout statistics and linking it to future health and leadership outcomes. Criminal Justice & Child Safety: A Noordoewer child-rape trial verdict is set for September after closing arguments, with the court postponing judgement. Healthcare Oversight & Corruption Probe: The Anti-Corruption Commission summoned a ministry of health bid committee member over allegations of procurement manipulation and medicine theft. Indigenous Health & Wellbeing: Coverage highlights ongoing challenges for Hai//om San communities, including marginalisation and loss of ancestral land, with calls for practical solutions.

Cancer Control Push: WHO, IAEA and IARC launched a five-day Cancer Impact Review Mission in Namibia to assess prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and cancer financing—coming as Health Minister Esperance Luvindao warns cases could jump 84% to over 6,300 annually by 2045. Neonatal Care Upgrade: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a new N$30m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to cut neonatal mortality and bring advanced care closer to families. Mental Health Law Update: Namibia’s National Assembly adopted a mental health amendment bill to replace the 1973 act, with stronger rights-based protections, community care, tighter rules on restraint/seclusion, and suicide prevention. Health System Integrity: The Anti-Corruption Commission summoned a ministry of health bid committee member over alleged procurement manipulation and pharmaceutical stock theft. Medicine Supply Shock: Namibia faces its first major pharmaceutical shortage in 36 years after procurement was suspended over fraud, theft and stock-data manipulation. Workplace Wellness: The Vice President urged employers to create wellness spaces, pointing to Old Mutual’s centre as a model for preventative support. Training Partnerships: Welwitchia University and Hope Home-Based Health Care signed an MoU to strengthen nursing and social work student placements and community-based care. Fitness & Nutrition Outreach: Windhoek hosts the NamFitness Expo (3–4 July) with screenings, nutrition testing and wellness talks. Funding Pressure on Health Students: NSFAF rejected funding for over 200 medical/health-adjacent students abroad, citing non-priority study fields. Public Health Infrastructure: Government fast-tracked sanitation rollout after allocating N$34m, targeting dignity and improved toilet access nationwide.

Cancer fight ramps up: Namibia’s health ministry says cancer cases could jump 84% by 2045, with more than 6,300 new cases annually, as the WHO/IAEA/IARC imPACT Review Mission launches to assess prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and financing. Neonatal care gets a boost: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a new N$30m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to cut neonatal mortality and bring specialised care closer to families in Erongo. Mental health law updated: The National Assembly adopted a mental health amendment bill to replace the 1973 act, with stronger patient protections, community-based care and suicide prevention focus. Health procurement probe: Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission summons a ministry of health Bid Evaluation Committee member over alleged pharmaceutical supply chain fraud and theft. Public health pressure points: Government fast-tracks sanitation and housing with N$34m earmarked for urgent rollout, while officials warn delayed diagnoses and rural screening gaps are worsening cancer outcomes. Workplace wellness push: The Vice President urged workplaces to create wellness spaces, citing the Old Mutual Wellness Centre as a model for preventative support. Road safety debate: Windhoek speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass draw criticism from road experts, with concerns about visibility and congestion near Katutura Hospital. Training and care partnerships: Hope Home-Based Health Care signed an MoU with Welwitschia University to place students for practical training and strengthen home-based cancer support.

Cancer Care Push: WHO, IAEA and IARC launched a Namibia cancer impact review mission, with Health Minister Esperance Luvindao warning cases could jump 84% to over 6,300 new cases annually by 2045 unless prevention, early detection and treatment improve. Neonatal Survival Boost: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a new N$30m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to cut neonatal mortality and reduce the need for families to travel for specialised care. Medicines Under Scrutiny: Namibia faces its first major pharmaceutical shortage in 36 years after government suspended procurement over fraud, theft and stock-data manipulation, raising urgent supply concerns. Health System Accountability: The Anti-Corruption Commission summoned a ministry of health and social services tender committee official in a “health rot” probe involving alleged procurement manipulation and theft of medicines. Training for Home-Based Cancer Care: Hope Home-Based Health Care signed an MoU with Welwitschia University to expand practical training for nursing and social work students supporting cancer patients. Public Health Infrastructure: Government fast-tracked sanitation planning after allocating N$34m, targeting gaps that leave many households without basic toilet access. Road Safety and Health: Windhoek began installing speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass after pedestrian-related crashes, while police confirmed fatalities in a B2 accident. Malaria Warning (Region): Southern Africa faces rising malaria risk as climate shifts, with Mpumalanga in South Africa seeing a sharp increase—an alert for Namibia’s preparedness.

Cancer care boost: WHO launched a Cancer Impact Review Mission in Namibia to assess prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and cancer financing—aiming to strengthen national cancer control. Newborn survival upgrade: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a modern N$30m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with 28 beds to cut neonatal mortality and reduce the need for families to travel to Windhoek. Training for home-based cancer support: Hope Home-Based Health Care and Welwitschia University signed an MoU for student placements and practical training to strengthen home-based nursing, caregiving, and palliative care. Public health and prevention focus: A report highlights malaria’s spread in southern Africa as climate shifts, with heavier rains and warmer temperatures driving mosquito breeding and rising cases. Child protection concerns: Windhoek raised alarms over migrant Angolan children begging on city streets, calling for coordinated action to protect vulnerable children and address exploitation risks. Road safety near hospitals: Speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass started amid debate, with an early collision reported shortly after installation. Maternal support donation: One Economy Foundation donated maternal and infant care items to Penehupifo Pohamba, alongside recent outreach providing sexual and reproductive health services.

Gender & Media: Namibia’s National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged media houses to report fairly on women in leadership, saying coverage often fixates on controversy and personal conduct instead of work and achievements—warning this can erode public confidence and discourage women from public life. Maternal & Child Health: One Economy Foundation donated N$30,000 in maternal and infant care supplies to former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba, alongside an outreach that provided sexual and reproductive health services to 350+ people in Ohangwena. Neonatal Care Upgrade: Erongo opened a new N$50m Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Swakopmund District Hospital, adding intensive and high-care beds plus a mothers’ lodge to support bonding and breastfeeding. Kidney Treatment Access: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients, reducing long-distance travel for chronic kidney disease and acute renal failure care. Road Safety in Windhoek: Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass speed humps are now in place, with early reports of a collision soon after installation—highlighting ongoing debate over safety and effectiveness. Public Health & Climate: Southern Africa faces a malaria surge linked to shifting climate patterns, with heavier rains and warmer temperatures boosting mosquito breeding and transmission risk. Jobs & Community Services: President Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the newly opened Goreangab Mall in Katutura as a jobs and services boost, citing 300 construction jobs and nearly 400 permanent roles. Animal Health (FMD Risk): The Livestock Producers Organisation urged strict biosecurity and compliance to protect Namibia’s livestock sector and export markets as foot-and-mouth disease remains a border threat. Baby Protection: Traditional leaders in northern Namibia called for safe baby adoption options at palaces instead of dumping, after recent cases of abandoned infants.

Malaria Alert: Malaria is surging in southern Africa as climate shifts change rain and temperatures. In South Africa’s Mpumalanga, cases jumped fourfold in January, and even Gauteng recorded hundreds of cases and deaths—raising alarm for the push to eliminate malaria by 2029. Road Safety: Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass will get speed humps, with one lane closed at a time between the Katutura Hospital area and the Lafrenz Interchange, after an increase in pedestrian crashes. Health Access: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients in Erongo, reducing travel to private facilities and easing pressure from rising kidney disease. Public Health & Waste: Oshikoto’s disposable nappies are becoming a waste problem, with limited disposal options driving illegal dumping and pollution. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Namibia’s livestock sector is urged to tighten biosecurity to protect export markets as foot-and-mouth disease risk continues. UN Humanitarian Watch: UN missions report Cuba’s hospitals are suspending surgeries due to medicine shortages and power outages, with more than 100,000 patients waiting. Crime & Safety: Police confirm two fatalities in a B2 road crash near Swakopmund and Arandis, and investigations continue into rape and murder cases in Grootfontein.

Pension Safety Net: Over 15,000 Namibian pensioners have had old-age grants suspended after missing a mandatory verification step, leaving many turned away at payout points and struggling to access basic needs. Public Health Access: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients in Erongo, cutting the need for long trips to private facilities. Child & Maternal Welfare: Namibia’s Child Care and Protection Act allows safe baby abandonment at designated places without criminal charges, but commentators warn implementation readiness and public awareness are still unclear. Road Safety: Roads Authority speed humps are being installed on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass and parts of the A1 to reduce pedestrian fatalities, with lane closures and delays expected. Community Health & Nutrition: A vision screening and eyewear initiative in Kunene provided corrective glasses to nearly 500 residents, improving sight in remote conservancies. Waste & Environment: Oshikoto faces growing pollution from disposable nappies, with limited disposal options driving illegal dumping and littering. Health Policy & Trust: The Ministry of Home Affairs warns against citizenship misinformation, stressing that citizenship and national documents require legal assessment and that birth in Namibia alone doesn’t automatically qualify. Livestock Biosecurity: LPO urges farmers to tighten foot-and-mouth disease biosecurity at borders and farms to protect export access.