2009 health highlights

THE Ministry of Health was a hive of activity in 2009, with a number of policies and regulations being set into action, various capital projects being embarked upon, and progress being made in the staffing of hospitals.

Perhaps the biggest event on the health calendar was the announcement that the University of Namibia would open a medical school this year – a move that has been praised by medical professionals and students alike, for the long-term sustainability of one of Namibia’s most needed professions. Strides were also made in the training of healthcare professionals, with the Ministry stating that 12 medical doctors are currently specialising in various fields. Further, 16 interns began their internship programme at State hospitals last year, three medical engineering technicians finished their training courses in Kenya, 2 003 health and social service-related students are currently undergoing training, and advancements have been made in the revision of the nurse/midwife curriculum. In addition to enhancing its human capacity, the Ministry of Health also made impressive progress in extending its healthcare services.With the H1N1 pandemic (commonly known as swine flu) making its international and highly publicised debut onto the world stage, all eyes were on the Ministry of Health to set mechanisms in place to control the flu. The Ministry clearly delivered on this front, reactivating its National Health Emergency Management Committee into action, and making significant headway in communicating the H1N1 message to the public. In this regard, the Ministry was even able to scoop up MISA’s Golden Key Award for the most transparent Government institution.In addition to dealing with the flu, the NHEMC also took the lead in bringing the measles outbreak under control, carrying out mass vaccination campaigns in strategic parts of the country to curb the spread of the illness.And in improving healthcare services, another major stride for the Ministry included its work on HIV and AIDS. The Ministry notes that during the course of last year, it extended its coverage for anti-retroviral treatment offered at 62 health facilities and outreach clinics to 81 per cent, up from only 3 per cent in 2003. The Ministry further introduced its ‘Reach Every District’ (red) approach to improve immunisation coverage which now stands at about 80 per cent, and made sound progress in improving its communication, information and financial management systems. On the capital projects front, the list is long. The Ministry states that during 2009, various renovation and upgrading efforts at the Katutura, Oshakati , Khorixas, Tsandi, Outjo, Rundu, Katima, Eenhana, Rehoboth and many other hospitals and clinics across the country remain ongoing, with new equipment (for example X-ray units) being installed in many cases.The Ministry received 36 wheelchairs from the MVA fund, N$3,2 million towards various needs at the Oshakati Hospital from Namdeb and Standard Bank, and ambulances and dental equipment from various other companies and organisations.In Parliament, the Ministry tabled the Tobacco Bill, while in Cabinet, adjustments to hospital fees and tariffs, including exemptions for special needs groups, were approved. nangula@namibian.com.na

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