The World Health Organisation (WHO) in Namibia says mental heath policy must be backed by effective investments.
This year, parliament passed the mental health bill. WHO Namibia representative Richard Banda has called the bill an important step in “expanding person-centred care”.
“The promise of reform must be backed by predictable domestic financing and a costed implementation plan. Investment should strengthen primary health care teams, specialist support, essential medicines, psychological care and peer-led service,” Banda said on Saturday.
His statement comes as Namibia marks World Mental Health Day 2026, under the theme of ‘Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change’.
Banda said shifting from long-term institutional care to community-based care requires planning to support people once they leave institutional care.
“A safe transition also needs funding for community services while existing hospital care continues. Working across health, housing, education and social protection, Namibia can progressively redirect resources towards community support as appropriate alternatives become available,” Banda said.
He said WHO will continue to provide technical support to the Namibian government as well as suicide prevention through Live Life.
Banda said meaningful participation from diverse communities will help ensure that reforms and investments are directed effectively towards promoting mental health.
“This year’s theme calls for sharing
decision-making power with people who have direct experience of mental health challenges, services and systems. Their knowledge of what helps recovery, what causes harm and what prevents access to support must carry weight alongside clinical and policy
expertise,” Banda said
