Health minister Esperance Luvindao says she aims to achieve 90% medicine stock levels in 2026 through direct procurement, while prioritising quality healthcare and regional decentralisation.
The Namibian spoke to her to hear what her aspirations, plans and dreams for next year are.
• What are the last three things you spent money on?
Takeaways, flight ticket, birthday present for my sister.
• What was the last text you sent?
“So what’s the plan?”
• What were your sector’s key projects in 2025?
The direct procurement of medication from manufacturers, the decentralisation of core health functions to the regions empowering them to act, the commencement of recruitment of over 2 000 healthcare workers, the completion of the country’s first digital health policy, the inauguration of multiple clinics and health centres, and the tabling of the mental health bill of 2025 to repeal a long outdated mental health bill of 1973.
• What is the single most important line that defined your outlook in 2025?
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
• If artificial intelligence (AI) could magically fix one everyday task for you, what would you pick?
Honestly? Teleportation. It would save hours of travel time and instantly reduce stress for me and for a lot of people.
• The song you played most this year?
‘Light Has Come’ by Sandra Boakye-Duah.
• What put your office or sector in the spotlight this year?
The direct procurement of medicines from manufacturers.
• What is your dream Namibian holiday destination?
The Desert Grace.
• What was the toughest decision you made in 2025, and why?
Relieving someone of their duties. It’s never an easy task, but once you’ve given warnings and there is no improvement, what we tolerate will negatively affect us in the long term.
• Which 2025 policy or initiative do you hope will define your tenure in 2026?
All senior government officials should make use of state health facilities from April 2026. And the direct procurement of medication from manufacturers with the aim to establish stock levels of 90% and above.
• What is your top priority for Namibia in 2026?
Quality healthcare for all – irrespective of socio-economic status. It’s possible! We will give our all to make it a reality!
• What was the most overrated trend or idea in 2025?
Ozempic, my goodness.
• What was the biggest blunder of 2025?
Coldplay’s Kiss Cam moment.
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