Namibia News

Poliovirus surveillance is one of the key pillars of the global poliovirus eradication effort. The primary system to detect poliovirus transmission is surveillance for polio cases among individuals with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), supplemented by environmental surveillance (ES).

In October 2008, Namibia was certified polio free and continued to maintain its polio free status since then. However, the country remains at high risk of importations of vaccine derived polio viruses (VDPVs) and other vaccine preventable diseases due to sub-optimal immunization coverage.

During the week of 16 to 19 September 2024, an audit team from the World Health Organization (WHO) Laborator

Namibia observed the World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) on 17 September 2024 at the Intermediate Hospital Katutura (IHK). The event presents an opportunity to raise public awareness and foster collaboration between patients, health workers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to improve patient safety. This year, the day was remembered under the global theme Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety, which underscores the vital role of accurate and timely diagnoses in ensuring patient well-being.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with the Government of Japan supported the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) to conduct a three-day workshop in Swakopmund. Held from 09 – 11 September 2024, the workshop aimed to sensitize and orient the media on ethical reporting on health-related matters including promoting nutrition, emergency response reporting, addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). A total of 15 journalists and media practitioners participated and were eager to enhance their understanding of health reporting.

In Namibia, nearly 35% of women are subjected to intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence.   The majority do not disclose the abuse but may seek health care because of the abuse.  This makes the health sector a critical player in the prevention and response to violence against women.

During July and August this year, the Ministry of Health, and Social Services (MoHSS) with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a community based cross-sectional Taenia Solium taeniasis mapping survey. The survey was funded by GIZ through the Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Disease (ESPEN). The mapping survey was conducted in five northern regions namely Kavango West, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto. The identified regions share common risk factors for T.

Every year on 10 October, the global community observe World Mental Health Day (WMHD) to raise awareness of mental health issues  and mobilize efforts to support mental well-being. Mental health encompasses a state of well-being that enables people to cope with life's stresses, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their communities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with the Government of Japan supported the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) to conduct a three-day workshop in Swakopmund. Held from 09 – 11 September 2024, the workshop aimed to sensitize and orient the media on ethical reporting on health-related matters including promoting nutrition, emergency response reporting, addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). A total of 15 journalists and media practitioners participated and were eager to enhance their understanding of health reporting.

On 25 April every year, the world comes together to share information and experiences on malaria prevention and control, and to celebrate key milestones achieved in the fight against malaria. The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) commemorated World Malaria Day at Khorixas, in the Kunene region on 14 August 2024 under the global theme “Advancing health equity, gender equality and human rights” and the national theme “Ensuring safe communities with zero malaria”.

The World Health Organization (WHO) with support from the Government of Japan, partnered with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) to conduct the African Vaccination Week in the Omaheke region, from 05 – 09 August 2024.  This initiative served as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines, combat vaccine hesitancy and amplify vaccination activities. The Omaheke region faces escalating malnutrition cases and a challenging landscape for providing essential health services including immunization.