INTERVIEW: The Nutrition Alliance of Namibia Director, Ben Schernick, Speaks on Addressing Malnutrition and Food Security

As Namibia faces its election season followed by the festive period, the country must confront a pressing issue: malnutrition. From December to March, the peak season for malnutrition, it’s a time of heightened awareness and urgency, particularly in regions most affected by food insecurity. Ben Schernick, the Director of the Nutrition Alliance of Namibia, sheds light on the current state of malnutrition in the country, emphasizing the need for collaboration and long-term solutions.

Last week, the Minister of Health highlighted a concerning new study, yet unpublished, revealing that malnutrition among children is at a critical stage across all regions. While some areas, such as Hardap, are among the hardest hit, Schernick stresses that the situation requires immediate action. “It is crucial to recognize that we need leadership with integrity, leaders who are willing to admit mistakes, learn from them, and strive to do better for the people of Namibia,” he said.

In Schernick’s view, tackling malnutrition and food security in Namibia demands a multisectoral approach. It’s not enough for different sectors to operate in isolation. To make meaningful progress, collaboration is essential, not just during election cycles, but for the long-term well-being of all Namibians. Schernick advocates for political leadership that looks beyond short-term gains and prioritizes the health and prosperity of the nation.

Central to this long-term vision is addressing the stark inequalities in Namibia, particularly the high rates of poverty and unemployment. Although exact figures remain unclear, Schernick acknowledges the profound impact these inequalities have on the nation’s health and economic stability. One of his key proposals for mitigating these disparities is the introduction of a Universal Basic Income (UBI). Unlike conditional grants, UBI is an unconditional, direct cash transfer to all Namibians. Schernick believes this initiative could make a substantial dent in poverty, with transformative effects on the economy—especially in rural areas but also within urban settings like Windhoek.

A Universal Basic Income, Schernick argues, should be a core component of any political party’s agenda if they are truly invested in the well-being of the Namibian people. He insists that such an initiative is not only a powerful poverty alleviation tool but also a catalyst for broader economic growth. “It’s an efficient measure that, once implemented, would bring about long-lasting change,” he asserts.

As Namibia approaches another election cycle, the driector’s call to action is clear: it’s time for leadership that is both accountable and willing to collaborate across sectors to combat malnutrition and address the deep-rooted inequalities affecting the nation. Through such collaboration and transformative policies like Universal Basic Income, Namibia can work toward a healthier, more prosperous future for all its citizens.