Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has promised to explore solutions for 10 retrenched healthcare assistants following the withdrawal of United States funding, giving each worker N$200 for transport after meeting them to discuss their plight.
The former workers lost their jobs following the withdrawal of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) under United States (US) president Donald Trump’s administration.
They have been appealing for reinstatement or alternative health-related opportunities, saying their unemployment has placed their families under severe financial strain.
“We are caregivers, parents and breadwinners, and our lives have become increasingly difficult,” they say.
The group, which has extensive experience gained through the Development Aid from People to People Total Control of the Epidemic programme and the Ministry of Health and Social Services, met with Ngurare on Friday.
Ngurare apologised for the delay in addressing their concerns, assuring them the government had heard their grievances and would consider their proposals.
“What I can tell you is that your minister is fighting for you,” he said.
He encouraged the workers to continue engaging the government if they felt progress was too slow, adding that he was now better informed about their situation.
“I am much better informed now. If we are not fast enough, talk to us. There are no problems without solutions,” he said.
The N$200 transport assistance comes as the former workers continue seeking a lasting solution to their unemployment and the loss of income that has left their families struggling to make ends meet.
