Any country that produces little of its own essential drugs leaves itself vulnerable to supply disruptions, currency fluctuations, and foreign pricing pressures.
Namibia is no exception. As someone with five years of experience in primary healthcare, I believe the government should do more through policy incentives, subsidies, and strategic partnerships to safeguard our few local pharmaceutical institutions.
A long-term strategy to rebuild pharmaceutical capacity in our country is essential.
Our health sector is under severe strain.
Shortages of nurses, social workers, doctors, and specialists continue to cripple service delivery. Namibia’s health network includes over 1 400 outreach points, more than 290 state clinics, 43 health centres, 30 district hospitals, four intermediate hospitals, one national referral hospital, and just two mental health institutions.
The country has a serious lack of doctors and nurses available per patient at these institutions, yet many trained professionals remain unemployed.
Former health minister Kalumbi Shangula has acknowledged the scale of the crisis, telling the parliament that 11 742 new positions have been approved over the next six years at a cost of N$4.5 billion.
However, only N$150 million has been allocated for the 2025/26 financial year, enough to recruit just 435 staff members.
This is far from sufficient. The low life expectancy in Namibia reflects the chronic underfunding of our health sector. Vacancies in the ministry of health must be addressed urgently, not gradually over six years.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains of major concern. Namibia, with a population of just over three million people, currently ranks 11th worldwide in TB incidence, with 468 cases per 100 000 people.
TB kills more people globally than Covid-19, and Namibia cannot afford to keep suffering from this preventable disease.
Likewise, the recent measles outbreak in the Kunene region underlines gaps in immunisation coverage. Outbreaks are costly to manage, and our expanded programme on immunisation must be strengthened to prevent future crises.
Most Namibians – about 85% – rely on public health services.
They are not asking for luxuries, but for accessible clinics, adequate medicine stocks, shorter waiting periods, and an end to preventable deaths.
I commend the leadership of current health minister Esperance Luvindao, who has taken steps to remove inefficiency and strengthen procurement systems.
With continued focus, Namibia can build a more resilient, transparent, and self-reliant healthcare system.
– Alfeus Hamundja
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