Sleep & Health Science: A new peer-reviewed review challenges the “eight-hour” ancestral sleep myth, finding hunter-gatherer communities sleep about 6.4–7.1 hours, with industrialization shifting timing more than total sleep. Mental Health & Suicide: Namibian men are urged to break the silence on mental health after 542 suicides (449 men) and 2,937 attempts were reported for 2023/24, with calls for more support and safer help-seeking. Food Security: Kunene faces severe hunger, with 78,495 people in extreme food insecurity and drought relief extended to 35,002 households, alongside ongoing water borehole efforts. Prison Health Rights: Namibia’s High Court ordered the release of a severely disabled Windhoek inmate within 10 days, saying medical refusal was unreasonable and not aligned with rights and dignity. Agriculture & Nutrition Policy: Namibia targets producing 80% of national food needs by 2030, pushing agriculture toward commercial growth, jobs, and value addition. Oil & Gas Workforce Wellbeing: Namibia Health Plan is engaging oil and gas industry leaders to align medical aid coverage with a growing workforce’s needs. Environmental Health & Food Systems: Namibia granted environmental clearance for offshore phosphate seabed mining near Walvis Bay, despite opposition from conservationists and fishing groups.
AGP Executive Report
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Food Security: Kunene reports 78,495 people in extreme food insecurity, with drought relief extended to 35,002 households and ongoing water shortages adding pressure on health and livelihoods. Diabetes & Safety: Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council warns of shortages and unauthorised GLP-1/peptide weight-loss medicines sold online, raising risks for people who rely on diabetes treatment. Mental Health: Namibia renews calls for men to break the “culture of silence” after 542 suicides (449 men) and thousands of attempts were recorded in 2023/24, with GBV and mental health discussed at a community event. Justice & Health Access: Windhoek High Court orders release of a paralysed inmate within 10 days, saying refusal to recommend medical release was unreasonable. Public Health & Environment: Sarusungu floating bridge cleanup in Kavango East aims to reduce disease risks linked to waste in the river. Animal Health: South Africa says foot-and-mouth disease is under control and has provided 50,000 vaccine doses to Namibia to strengthen safeguards. Youth & Wellness: President commissions sports facilities and urges community use for walking, aerobics, fitness and health education. Governance for Health: APRM consults Kavango East communities on service delivery and youth empowerment, including concerns like teenage pregnancy and health impacts.
Mental Health & Suicide: Namibian men are being urged to break the “culture of silence” after the Ministry of Health and Social Services reported 542 suicides and 2,937 attempts in 2023/24, with men accounting for the vast majority of deaths; the message was amplified at a Windhoek community event that also tackled GBV and support for people struggling in silence. Food Security: Namibia is aiming to produce 80% of its national food needs by 2030, up from a 60% baseline, with a push toward commercial farming, stronger value chains, and investment in agro-processing. Judicial Well-being: Chief Justice Peter Shivute warned that judicial stress must not be met “at the cost of our health,” calling for institutional responsibility and support for judges and court staff. Diabetes Drug Shortages: Families say shortages are worsening as more people use diabetes medicines for weight loss, following the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council’s warning about unauthorised GLP-1 and peptide products sold online. Education Standards: The Ministry of Education launched new norms and standards for schools and hostel operations, focusing on safer, better-resourced learning environments. Public Health & Safety: A Soweto suburb incident in Windhoek saw a man deliberately crash into his wife’s stationary car before shooting himself, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support. Water & Disease Risk: The Sarusungu floating bridge near Rundu was cleaned after 11 years, with officials linking long-term waste to health risks and safer recovery efforts for drownings. Health System Capacity: A commentary questions whether new nursing campuses are attracting true patient-care “callings,” warning that mismatched motivations could worsen care and burnout. GBV & Mental Health Community Action: One Economy Foundation’s “Game Changers” event promoted safe spaces for men to talk, including a “Barbershop Corner” for mental well-being discussions.
Public Health & Safety: Namibia’s Sarusungu floating bridge near Rundu was cleaned for the first time in 11 years after years of waste piled up, making recovery harder for search teams and raising fears of disease breeding in the area. Mental Health & Community Support: The One Economy Foundation’s “Game Changers” event in Windhoek pushed conversations on GBV, femicide, mental health and sexual/reproductive health, including a “Barbershop Corner” for men to talk openly and seek support. Health System Financing: Health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao argued Namibia must find new revenue streams for public healthcare, framing health as both a social service and an economic sector that can fund better care. Medicines Access & Safety: Namibia is seeing diabetes drug shortages and rising demand tied to weight-loss “GLP-1” and peptide products sold online, prompting warnings from the Medicines Regulatory Council. Water, Health & Resilience: A focus on water security highlighted efforts to modernise sewage and treatment systems, including wastewater being treated back into drinking water to strengthen drought resilience. Regional Health Cooperation: Africa CDC director general Dr Jean Kaseya told President Nandi-Ndaitwah Namibia saved about N$2 billion by securing direct access to medical manufacturers, and praised the country’s move to a continental procurement mechanism to cut medicine costs. Maternal & Child Health Investment: Erongo’s report flagged an upgraded neo-natural intensive care unit at Swakopmund District Hospital as a key maternal and child health boost. GBV & Care Systems: Judicial Well-Being Day in Windhoek also stressed that health impacts work demands, with Chief Justice Peter Shivute warning judicial stress must not be met at the cost of health. Education Standards for Learner Well-Being: The Ministry of Education launched new norms and standards for schools and hostel operations, aiming to improve safety, nutrition, care and learning conditions for children.
Diabetes drug squeeze: Namibia’s Medicines Regulatory Council warns that unauthorised GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss medicines sold online are driving shortages, leaving some diabetes patients struggling to access essential treatment. Education standards for safety and learning: The Ministry of Education launched a new Norms and Standards Framework for Schools and National Minimum Standards for Hostels, aiming to improve quality, accountability, and learner wellbeing as AI reshapes how knowledge is accessed. Mental health and GBV conversations: One Economy Foundation’s Game Changers event in Windhoek pushed open discussion on gender-based violence, femicide, and mental health, including “Barbershop Corner” talks for men. Regional FMD safeguards: South Africa says foot-and-mouth disease is under control and has provided 50,000 vaccine doses to Namibia (plus Eswatini and Lesotho) to strengthen preparedness. Judicial wellbeing: Chief Justice Peter Shivute marked the International Day of Judicial Well-Being, stressing that stress is real and should not be paid for with health. Trauma care upgrade: The MVA Fund handed Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital about N$4m in equipment, including a C-Arm, and urged fewer trauma transfers to keep care local. Household debt pressure: Parliament hears household debt is trapping families in cycles of borrowing, with calls for stronger borrower protection and support for mental health impacts.
GBV & mental health push: The One Economy Foundation’s Game Changers event in Windhoek brought community conversations on gender-based violence, femicide, and mental wellbeing, including “Barbershop Corner” sessions for men to speak openly and seek support. Education quality & learner safety: The Ministry of Education launched a new Norms and Standards Framework for Schools, including hostel minimum operating procedures, with 31 performance indicators to help officials monitor quality, resources, leadership, and learner wellbeing. Trauma care upgrade in the north: The MVA Fund handed Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital about N$4m in equipment (C-Arm plus orthopaedic tools) to improve local trauma and orthopaedic treatment and reduce unnecessary patient transfers. Judicial wellbeing spotlight: Chief Justice Peter Shivute marked the International Day of Judicial Well-Being, stressing that stress in judges and magistrates is real and should not be met at the cost of health. Household debt and mental strain: Parliament’s economy committee heard how cash loans and loan sharks are trapping families in cycles of borrowing, with calls for stronger borrower protection and more social support for mental health impacts. Health financing & local production: Health minister Esperance Luvindao argued public healthcare needs new revenue ideas and stronger domestic capacity for medicines and health products. Cuba solidarity: Namibia’s National Council donated N$27,609 to the Namibia-Cuba Solidarity Campaign for medicines, medical supplies, and solar kits. Agriculture monitoring contract ended: Namibia terminated a $2.4m AI crop monitoring deal with U.S. firm 6th Grain over legal and procedural concerns. Power outage planning: Erongo Red scheduled outages affecting Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and nearby areas, including parts of Swakopmund State Hospital and Welwitschia Hospital.
Nursing workforce debate: Namibia’s rapid rollout of new nursing campuses is being questioned: are students joining out of genuine care, or mainly for opportunity, points, or convenience—and what happens to patient care and burnout when nursing becomes “just another job”? Public health leadership & financing: Health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao argues healthcare must be treated as an investment, while Namibia’s reforms are also credited with saving about N$2 billion through direct links with medical manufacturers and a continental procurement push. WHO spotlight: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus praised President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s surprise hospital visits and urged stronger access, local production, and domestic resources for health. Trauma care upgrade: The MVA Fund handed Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital about N$4m in equipment (including a C-Arm) to strengthen local orthopaedic and trauma services and reduce patient transfers. Clinic overcrowding after vodka incident: After a crash released free vodka energy drinks near Otavi, people rushed to Otavi Health Centre—then a brawl broke out, leaving patients needing treatment. Mental health burden: Namibia reported 11,489 mental health admissions in 2024/25 and 91,544 cases overall, with stigma and limited awareness cited as major barriers. Prison health and safety concerns: Allegations of inmates being beaten at Gobabis police holding cells after complaints about overcrowding, hygiene, and lack of medical access. Health system capacity & policy: Oshana reported a drop in crime cases, but rape, assault, domestic violence and late reporting remain concerns; meanwhile, school standards now include digital literacy and AI, and new hostel minimum standards cover health, nutrition, safety and infrastructure.
Alcohol poisoning & road safety: After a truck crash near Otavi released vodka energy drinks, nine people were admitted to Otavi Health Centre (including two children under five). They were treated and discharged in stable condition, but a brawl at the clinic left at least one patient injured—another reminder that “free” roadside alcohol can turn deadly. Mental health & household strain: Namibia’s household debt crisis is pushing people into cycles of borrowing and refinancing, with officials urging social workers and stronger protection against exploitative lending. Separately, mental health figures show large caseloads and deaths linked to stigma and lack of early support. Trauma care upgrade: Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital received about N$4m in MVA Fund equipment, including a C-Arm, to improve local treatment of trauma and orthopaedic cases and reduce unnecessary patient transfers. Health financing & medicines: Africa CDC says Namibia saved around N$2b by securing direct access to medical manufacturers and being first to sign a continental procurement mechanism; WHO also praised Namibia’s hospital reform approach. Regional health leadership: President Nandi-Ndaitwah met Africa CDC and WHO leaders during the ReSCO meeting, stressing regional cooperation and stronger domestic health financing as external funding declines. Education standards with health links: Namibia launched revised school standards and new minimum hostel standards covering health, nutrition, safety and infrastructure through 2030. GBV prevention push: One Economy Foundation’s #BeFree Fun Run combines GBV awareness with health screening and mental health conversations, responding to high GBV case numbers.
Water & health security: Germany’s development policy highlights water access as a driver of health, jobs and peace, pointing to support in Namibia to modernise sewage treatment and build a Windhoek water treatment plant that turns wastewater back into drinking water. Trauma care closer to home: Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital received N$4 million in MVA Fund equipment (including a C-arm) and officials urged staff to treat and discharge eligible trauma patients locally to reduce transfers. Mental health burden: Namibia recorded 91,544 mental health cases in 2024/25, with 11,489 admissions and 123 deaths; officials stressed stigma, limited awareness and the need for stronger school-based identification and referral. Local health leadership: Namibia’s President met WHO and Africa CDC chiefs at State House, with a focus on health priorities, regional cooperation and building stronger, more self-reliant systems as external funding declines. Pharma & safety: WHO urged local vaccine manufacturing, while Namibia’s medicine regulator warned against unlicensed weight-loss and GLP-1/peptide products. Public health incident: Nine patients were discharged after consuming spilled vodka energy drinks in Otavi, reported as stable after treatment. Youth & education equity: The First Gentleman launched the DEN Impact Foundation for youth (agriculture, sports, education and vocational training), alongside UNAM research showing boys repeat and leave school earlier more often than girls. Community health & environment: Walvis Bay residents petitioned against marine phosphate mining over fears for ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. Wildlife health: A cheetah’s satellite collar failed, but field checks confirmed Tupuka was healthy, supporting early warning for farmers.
Mental Health in Focus: Namibia recorded 91,544 mental health cases in 2024/25, with 11,489 admissions and 123 deaths, while suicide attempts and deaths remain under-diagnosed due to stigma and limited awareness—schools and teachers are also struggling to identify and support learners. WHO & Africa CDC Push Self-Reliance: WHO’s Tedros Ghebreyesus and Africa CDC’s Jean Kaseya praised Namibia’s health progress while urging stronger local vaccine and medicine production and more resilient, domestically financed health systems as external funding declines. Mental Health Law Watch: Parliamentarians welcomed Namibia’s new mental health bill but warned it could fail without real funding, staffing, and regional infrastructure for community-based care and suicide prevention. Education Standards with Health Links: Namibia unveiled revised school standards that boost digital literacy and AI use, and launched national minimum standards for state hostels covering health, nutrition, safety and infrastructure through 2030. Road Safety as Public Health: Parliamentarians discussed Namibia’s rising road accident crisis, citing preventable causes and calling for safer roads, vehicles, enforcement and stronger post-crash emergency response. Public Health Warning (Vodka Cans): Otavi Town Council warned residents not to consume or distribute vodka cans recovered after an accident, especially cautioning minors due to high alcohol content and possible contamination. Health Tech for Trauma Care: Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital received a C-arm X-ray machine from the MVA Fund to improve real-time imaging for orthopaedic and trauma surgery. Community Health & Justice: Oshana reported a decline in crime cases, but rape, assault, domestic violence and late reporting remain concerns that affect access to support services. Local Health Governance & Accountability: Critics urged careful review of Namibia’s proposed Public Asset Management Agency to avoid overlapping mandates and rising administrative costs.
Trauma care upgrade: Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital received a C-arm X-ray machine worth about N$4 million from the MVA Fund to boost real-time imaging for bone and joint injury surgeries, after handling an average of 91 orthopaedic cases monthly. Public health warning: Otavi Town Council and community groups warned residents not to consume, sell or distribute vodka cans recovered from an accident scene, saying the high-alcohol drinks may be contaminated and especially dangerous for minors. Mental health reform under pressure: Namibia’s Mental Health Bill is moving forward, but MPs and lawmakers warn it could fail without enough funding, staff, and regional facilities to deliver community-based care. Medicines crackdown: The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council warned of rising sales and promotion of unregistered GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes medicines, including products marketed online and through informal markets. EU livestock export risk: EU-required annual veterinary inspections were suspended due to funding gaps, but a temporary arrangement now lets producers cover travel costs for inspections to protect export certification. Disaster readiness: OPM and NAU signed an MoU to strengthen preparedness for veld fires, drought and animal disease outbreaks, improving coordination and information sharing.
Road Safety & Public Health: Parliament’s transport committee met MoW&T, the Roads Authority and MoHSS to tackle Namibia’s road accident crisis, citing about 700 annual casualties and pushing a Safe System approach that links safer roads, vehicles, behaviour, enforcement and post-crash emergency response. Mental Health Reform: MPs backed the Mental Health Bill but warned it could become “paper law” without funding, staff, and regional infrastructure, noting severe shortages and overcrowding at Windhoek Central and Oshakati facilities. Medicine Safety: The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council warned of rising sales and promotion of unregistered GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes medicines (including Ozempic and Wegovy names) via social media and informal markets. Corruption Risk in Health: MoHSS launched a corruption risk workshop with the Anti-Corruption Commission, flagging vulnerabilities in procurement and pharmaceutical supply, including stock data manipulation and misuse of emergency procurement. Community Health Alerts: Otavi Town Council warned residents not to consume or sell vodka cans recovered from an accident scene, saying high-alcohol products may be contaminated and life-threatening for children. Access to Care & Services: A former nurse accused Katutura Intermediate Hospital of delayed treatment after a 2022 crash, alleging permanent injuries. Digital Health & Learning Support: Oversight visits found poor mobile/internet coverage disrupting schooling in Kavango East and West, while new towers await power-grid connection.
Mental Health Reform Funding: MPs backed Namibia’s Mental Health Bill but warned it will fail without money, specialised staff, and facilities reaching rural areas, calling for mental health units at regional hospitals and trained workers at district hospitals and health centres. Medicines Safety Watch: Namibia’s medicines regulator warned consumers about unregistered injectable weight-loss products sold online and in informal markets, flagging risks of wrong ingredients, incorrect strengths, contamination, and counterfeit items. Hospital Care Accountability: A former nurse accused Katutura Intermediate Hospital of delayed treatment after a 2022 crash, saying the wait led to permanent cervical spine injuries and ongoing severe headaches and neck pain. Covid-19 School Update: Education officials reported no further Covid-19 cases at Delta Primary School hostel in Windhoek after a caretaker tested positive, with screening, separation, disinfection, and pupils staying away until 7 September. Community Health Infrastructure: Engela State Hospital is set to receive refurbished beds through a youth foundation project, with 15 beds targeted by end of September and at least 70 improved overall. Workplace Rights Enforcement: Labour oversight in Erongo is being hampered by shortages of inspectors, vehicles, and funding, raising concerns about occupational health and safety and worker protections. Sports Inclusion & Health Education: Special Olympics Namibia is expanding inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities through sport-linked health education and Unified Sports, supported by international partners. Local Health Supply Chain: NIPDB is hosting a local supplier pitching session at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, including health and safety and other services that can support safer workplaces. Nuclear Fuel Industry Review: ASP Isotopes’ subsidiary Quantum Leap Energy has started an environmental and social impact assessment for a pilot metal-conversion facility in Walvis Bay, with public consultation underway.
Mental Health Bill Push: Namibia’s MPs want better infrastructure around mental health hospitals and more fully qualified psychologists, warning that only a couple of facilities are overcrowded and that care must shift from custodial to support and rehabilitation. Labour Rights Under Strain: A parliamentary committee calls for stronger labour law enforcement and better-resourced institutions, with Erongo unions reporting workplace inspections are being hampered by shortages of inspectors, vehicles and funding—raising occupational health and safety concerns. Weight-loss Medicine Safety Alert: Namibia’s medicines regulator warns against unregistered injectable weight-loss products sold online and informally, saying they may be counterfeit, contaminated, or the wrong strength, and urges consumers to be cautious of “rapid results” marketing. Worker Debt Pressure: A parliamentary probe hears claims that some public servants allegedly adjust working hours to avoid unregistered lenders, and MPs suggest financial counselling before loans are approved. Community Mental Health Through Sport: One Economy Foundation’s “Game Changers” event in Windhoek pairs fun runs with talks on mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and GBV prevention. Public Health & Safety Incident: A 78-year-old man died after falling into an open hole near Henties Bay Clinic; police investigations are ongoing. Water Security Focus: A feature highlights Africa’s water stress and the need for safe sanitation and resilient water systems to protect health and livelihoods. Cuba Solidarity & Health System Mention: Namibia’s leaders and supporters mark Fidel Castro’s centenary, reiterating solidarity with Cuba and pointing to Cuba’s free healthcare model as part of the legacy.
Medicine Safety: Namibia’s medicines regulator (NMRC) warns that online and informal sellers are marketing unregistered weight-loss injections and peptide products, naming brands like Ozempic and Wegovy, with risks of wrong ingredients, incorrect strengths and contamination. Local Health System Pressure: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Swakopmund State Hospital, urging improved service delivery under NDP 6, while staff cited overcrowding, medication and bed shortages that affect patient privacy. Public Health in Custody: The ombudsman reports malnutrition among trial-awaiting inmates in police holding cells, linked to overcrowding and long criminal justice delays. Mental Health & GBV Awareness: One Economy Foundation’s “Game Changers” event in Windhoek (22 Aug) combines fun runs with barbershop talks on mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and standing against GBV and femicide. Workforce & Health at Work: Bannerman Energy says it’s targeting a workforce of over 80% Namibians as it moves the Etango uranium project toward future operations, including health and safety planning. Community Health Access: The City of Windhoek relocated 309 households to Havana Extensions to improve emergency vehicle access and response in Moses //Garoëb.
Health System & Access: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Swakopmund State Hospital, urging quality healthcare under NDP6 while staff flagged overcrowding, medication and bed shortages, and privacy problems. Public Health in Custody: The ombudsman reports trial-awaiting inmates in police holding cells are suffering malnutrition amid overcrowding and criminal justice delays. Medicine Safety: Namibia’s medicine regulator warns of rising sales of unlicensed weight-loss products and cautions against Ozempic and other unregistered GLP-1/peptide medicines. Maternal & Child Health Support: FLECHAS donated reusable menstrual hygiene dignity kits to 157 girls in Tsumkwe, aiming to reduce absenteeism and protect dignity. Rural Health Workforce: Cleaners at Tondoro Health Centre in Kavango West were asked to help build an administrative structure due to lack of funds for a contractor. HIV Progress: UNAIDS highlights Cambodia’s achievement of the 95-95-95 targets, noting Namibia is among countries reaching key HIV milestones. Regional Health Security: At the SADC summit, leaders discussed migration management, peace and security, job creation, industrialisation and deeper integration, including cooperation on health security.
Medicine Safety Watch: Namibia’s Medicines Regulatory Council warns of a rise in unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes products being sold and promoted on social media, urging people to buy only from licensed pharmacies and consult health professionals. Hospital Connectivity: Communications regulator CRAN says free Wi‑Fi is being rolled out at two state hospitals, linking the move to broader broadband goals and digital access for care. Care Under Pressure: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Swakopmund State Hospital, hearing concerns about overcrowding, limited beds and medication shortages affecting patient privacy and service delivery. Justice & Nutrition: The ombudsman reports trial-awaiting inmates in police holding cells are suffering malnutrition due to overcrowding and delays in the criminal justice system. Rural Health Staffing Strain: In Kavango West, cleaners at Tondoro Health Centre were asked to help build an administrative block because funds for a contractor are lacking. Maternal Health Support: FLECHAS donated reusable menstrual hygiene dignity kits to girls in Tsumkwe to help reduce absenteeism and support school participation. Public Health Education: Namibia Learning Passport launched in Keetmanshoop to expand digital and offline learning for youth beyond the classroom.
HIV Response Spotlight: UNAIDS says Cambodia hit the 95-95-95 HIV targets, with Namibia named among the countries that achieved them by 2025—highlighting how strong leadership plus community partnerships drive results. Quality Healthcare Push: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Swakopmund State Hospital, pledging quality care under NDP 6, while staff pointed to overcrowding, medicine shortages and privacy problems. Prison Health Alarm: The ombudsman found trial-awaiting inmates in police holding cells suffering malnutrition, linked to overcrowding and criminal justice delays. Medicine Safety Warning: Namibia’s medicine regulator warns of rising sales of unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes products on social media, urging people to buy only from licensed pharmacies and consult health professionals. Digital Health Access: CRAN’s plan for free Wi-Fi at Katutura and Keetmanshoop state hospitals ties into broader efforts to expand 4G connectivity for public services. Menstrual Health Support: FLECHAS donated reusable hygiene dignity kits to girls in Tsumkwe to reduce absenteeism and support wellbeing. Workplace Health & Welfare: Cleaners at Tondoro Health Centre in Kavango West were asked to build an admin block due to lack of funds, raising concerns about unpaid extra work.
Medicine Safety: Namibia’s Medicine Regulatory Council warns of a rise in unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes products sold via social media and informal markets, naming brands/ingredients and stressing no grace period—buy only from licensed pharmacies and consult a health professional. Digital Health Access: CRAN says free Wi‑Fi is being rolled out at Katutura and Keetmanshoop state hospitals, linking connectivity to the country’s broader broadband push for clinics and public services. Maternal & Adolescent Health: FLECHAS donated reusable menstrual hygiene dignity kits to 157 girls at Mangetti Dune Combined School and Makata Primary in Tsumkwe, aiming to cut absenteeism and support dignity. Rural Health & Services: The Onamafila clinic opened (N$21.7m), bringing care closer to 24 villages. Mental Health Focus: A report highlights Namibia’s mental healthcare strain—few specialists, stigma, and limited referral capacity—while calling for better access beyond Windhoek. Livestock Health & Exports: EU livestock inspections were paused due to budget limits, but a temporary arrangement was reached to protect EU-certified export supply chains. Community Support: MOVSC, backed by FasterCapital, is advancing pre-school, counseling, and community programs for orphans and vulnerable learners.
Medicine Safety Watch: Namibia’s Medicine Regulatory Council warns of a rise in unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes medicines being sold and promoted on social media, urging people to buy only from licensed pharmacies and authorised facilities. Regulator Transparency: Two medicines have been recalled or quarantined recently—Azithromycin Oral Suspension batches were quarantined after quality complaints, while a children’s cough syrup was voluntarily recalled after crystals were found. Digital Health Access: The Communications Regulatory Authority’s plan for free Wi‑Fi at Katutura and Keetmanshoop state hospitals is tied to Namibia’s push for broader connectivity, supporting hospitals and clinics as key public access points. Maternal & Youth Wellness: FLECHAS donated reusable menstrual hygiene dignity kits to 157 girls in Tsumkwe, aiming to reduce absenteeism and support school participation. Mental Health Focus: A new interview highlights Namibia’s mental healthcare strain, including psychiatrist shortages and limited specialised services outside Windhoek. Community Health Programs: MOVSC, backed by FasterCapital, reports progress on pre-school, counselling and community outreach planning for orphans and vulnerable learners. Education for Wellbeing: Namibia Learning Passport expands digital and offline learning access for youth in underserved areas.
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