Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia

MINISTRY OF HEALTH COMMEMORATES MEN’S HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH WITH MENTAL HEALTH SESSION

In commemoration of Men’s Health Awareness Month this June, the Ministry of Health hosted a Mental Health Awareness Session for male staff members to promote the importance of mental well-being.

The session created a safe space for open dialogue, encouraging men to speak up about emotional and psychological challenges and to seek support when needed. Staff members actively participated and welcomed the initiative, calling for more regular engagements of this nature.

Mental health is essential to overall well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and cope with life’s challenges. Men often face unique pressures such as work stress, financial responsibilities, and societal expectations, which can impact their mental health if not addressed.

The Ministry remains committed to promoting mental wellness and fostering supportive environments where individuals can seek help without stigma.

Mental health is health. Seeking help is strength.

He got polio as a child. Today he lives with the effects every single day.

Listen to his story.

Parents, don’t wait for regret. Prevention is better than cure.

Please make sure your child is vaccinated against polio.

Windhoek & Omaheke: Polio vaccination for your child

These 2 regions are at high risk right now. Polio has no cure, but we can stop it together.

Take all children 10 years & below in Windhoek & Omaheke to your nearest clinic for FREE polio drops. SAFE, FREE, EFFECTIVE. Each dose builds stronger protection.

Windhoek & Omaheke parents — This is for you💉

Your regions are at higher risk right now. Don’t wait until the last day.

Polio has no cure. But the vaccine is SAFE, FREE

MINISTRY OF HEALTH LAUNCHES CANCER REVIEW MISSION TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL CANCER CARE

The Minister of Health and Social Services today officially launched the Impact Review Mission, an initiative to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and care in Namibia through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) Review Mission, conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The mission comes at a critical time. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data, Namibia recorded 3,453 new cancer cases and 1,940 cancer-related deaths, a significant increase from approximately 2,200 cases in 2018. Without stronger interventions, these numbers are expected to rise considerably in the coming years.

The review brings together international experts and local stakeholders to assess Namibia's cancer control landscape, identify gaps, and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations across prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. Findings will directly inform the National Cancer Control Plan and guide future investments in cancer services. The initiative builds on existing infrastructure, including the Dr. A.B. May Cancer Care Centre in Windhoek, the Oncology Department at Intermediate Hospital Oshakati, and the Namibia National Cancer Registry.

Ultimately, the mission reflects Government's commitment to ensuring that quality cancer care is accessible to all Namibians, regardless of where they live.

MHSS CELEBRATES INAUGURATION OF NEW NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT SWAKOPMUND DISTRICT HOSPITAL🎉

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has inaugurated a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Swakopmund District Hospital, significantly expanding specialised care for newborn babies in the Erongo Region and strengthening efforts to reduce neonatal mortality.

The N$30.5 million state of the art facility was established in response to growing demand for neonatal services in a region that records more than 5,500 births annually. Previously, the hospital’s neonatal unit had a capacity of only four incubators, limiting access to specialised care for premature and critically ill newborns.

The new 28-bed NICU includes 12 standard care beds, six high-care beds, six intensive care beds, and four isolation beds. A 12-bed Mother’s Lodge has also been added to support mothers during their babies’ recovery.

The facility forms part of Government’s broader efforts to strengthen and expand specialised healthcare services, alongside ongoing upgrades and renovations of health facilities in the Erongo Region and other parts of the country.

With the NICU now operational, the need for newborns requiring specialised care to be referred to Windhoek for treatment is expected to significantly decrease, improving access to critical services closer to home.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH CELEBRATES 1st STATE RENAL DIALYSIS UNIT IN ERONGO REGION|🎉

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has inaugurated a new Dialysis Unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital, marking an important step in bringing much-needed specialised and life-saving treatment closer to communities in the Erongo Region.

The facility forms part of Government’s broader efforts to decentralise specialised healthcare services, reduce pressure on referral hospitals, and ensure that patients can access essential treatment without travelling long distances to Windhoek. It also builds on similar developments recently in other parts of the country, including the //Kharas Region and the Zambezi Region where the Minister of Health and Social Services officially inaugurated dialysis centers recently.

The unit comes at a critical time, as the burden of Chronic Kidney Disease and renal failure continues to rise. In the Erongo Region, the number of state patients requiring dialysis increased from 27 in 2024 to 54 in 2025. Before the opening of the facility, many patients were forced to travel to Windhoek for treatment or rely on limited private sector services.

With the new unit now operational, patients will be able to access dialysis services closer to home. The unit is equipped with six dialysis machines, including one dedicated to isolation cases.

The unit is also supported by newly deployed medical officers and nurses, strengthening service delivery and helping to ensure consistent, quality care for patients in the region.