Keynote address by Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao at Otjiwarongo uniforms handover ceremony

Otjiwarongo, 16 February 2026.

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Good afternoon to you all.

It is with immense pride and a heart full of gratitude that I stand before you today, here at the Otjiwarongo District Hospital, near the bustling casualty department – the very heartbeat of our healthcare service.

As I arrived, I was truly moved to see so many of you, our frontline heroes, standing tall and proud in your beautiful new uniforms. This is more than just a ceremony; it is a profound and long-awaited moment, marking a significant milestone for our public health sector and, most importantly, for each and every one of you who dedicate your lives to the wellbeing of our nation.

Today, we gather to celebrate a promise fulfilled, a collective aspiration realised. For far too long – indeed, for over 15 years – the provision of official uniforms for our health professionals has been an oversight. Today, that changes. This occasion stands as an irrefutable testament to the Namibian government’s commitment to health workers, affirming that the provision of uniforms is not a luxury, but an essential obligation that must be fulfilled with the same seriousness as all other commitments to strengthening our health system.

This uniform, which you now proudly wear, is more than just fabric and stitching. It is a powerful symbol. It symbolises renewed commitment, professional pride and a unified identity within the Namibian public healthcare system. It enhances your professional identity, fosters unity among colleagues, and improves your visibility within our facilities, helping patients and the public easily identify the dedicated professionals caring for them.

This journey began in March 2025 with our partners, August 26 Manufacturing Company. Through a significant investment by the Ministry of Health and Social Services totalling N$55 880 480, we have procured high-quality uniforms including doctors’ and pharmacists’ coats, and nurses’ uniforms and shoes. I am delighted to announce that this initial batch benefits approximately 11 504 nurses, and 4 283 doctors and pharmacists, bringing the total to over 15 700 health professionals nationwide who are now proudly wearing their new attire.

To those of you receiving your uniforms today, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Wear them with the dignity, pride and unwavering dedication that defines your noble profession.

However, I want to take this moment to appreciate all our health workers, whether you are receiving a uniform today or not. Your dedication, resilience and unwavering service are the pillars upon which our health system stands. From the nurses who provide round-the-clock care, the doctors who make critical decisions and deliver life-saving interventions, the pharmacists who ensure safe medication, to the hygiene officers (cleaners), the administrative staff, the technicians, and everyone in between – every single person contributes significantly to the health and wellbeing of our communities. Thank you. Your tireless efforts, especially in challenging times, do not go unnoticed.

I also acknowledge that the quantification for this current batch of uniforms was based on the 2023 health workers’ census. This means that health workers recruited after this period are not included in this particular distribution. To those affected colleagues, I ask for your patience. I assure you that your needs are paramount. A recent circular has already requested all facilities to submit updated and detailed quantifications by 31 March 2026. This is a critical step to enable us to undertake the next procurement process and ensure full coverage for all our deserving staff. We are committed to leaving no one behind.

As we bask in this moment of celebration and renewed identity, I wish to encourage all staff members across our health facilities to approach your duties with renewed commitment, discipline and professionalism. Let this moment inspire us to recommit ourselves to the highest standards expected of us as public servants and health professionals.

Let us remain diligent in our work, accountable in our actions, and unwavering in our commitment to quality healthcare. Above all, let us remember that the patient is at the centre of everything we do. Every person who walks into our clinics, hospitals and offices deserves to be treated with respect, compassion and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstance. Respectful patient care must remain a cornerstone of our service delivery, and I urge all health workers to uphold these values at all times.

The handover of uniforms today is a symbol of our ministry’s commitment, but it is also a call to action. Let us embody the spirit of these uniforms – a spirit of unity, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the people we serve.

In closing, I want to once again express my deepest appreciation for your invaluable service. May this day mark a new chapter of pride, unity and excellence in the Namibian health sector.

Thank you, and God bless you all.

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