Health / Medical Archives - Page 2 of 49

Schernick Calls for Action on Sugar Consumption

Ben Schernick, director of the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia warns that the government’s 2010 VAT exemption on white and brown sugar is effectively encouraging harmful sugar consumption. He emphasizes the need for legislation, company monitoring, and public awareness campaigns to address rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other sugar-related health problems.

15 December, 2025

Health / Medical

Health taskforce told to increase provision of quality healthcare 75%

By: Selma Taapopi The Director General of the National Planning Commission Ambassador Dr. Kaire Mbuende has called on the newly appointed Presidential Taskforce on Health to prioritise expanding access to quality healthcare, noting that Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) sets a target to increase coverage from 63% to 75% by 2030. Mbuende made the call on Thursday at the taskforce's inaugural meeting in Windhoek. The goal encompasses health promotion, […]

12 December, 2025

Health / Medical

Child Stunting Rises to 30%

The Ministry of Health, together with the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organization, has released the 2024 SMART survey on child nutrition. Director of the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance, Ben Schernick, revealed that stunting rates, a measure of chronic malnutrition, have increased from 24% in 2012 to almost 30% in 2024, highlighting growing concerns over children’s health and development.

4 December, 2025

Health / Medical

Urgent Call for Blood Donations by NamBTS

The Blood Transfusion Service has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, urging the public to come forward and help save lives. Frieda Vatileni-Asino from NAMBTS emphasized that regular donations are crucial to maintain sufficient blood supply for hospitals and patients in need.

20 November, 2025

Health / Medical

Health Ministry assures public it has enough HIV test kit supplies

KHB-HIV Colloidal Gold test kit (Photo by: Shanghai Kehua Bio-Engineering Co., Ltd.) The Ministry of Health and Social Services has moved to reassure the public that the country has sufficient HIV test kits in stock, following concerns raised on social media about possible shortages. According to the ministry, the country currently has between two and three months of Colloidal Gold screening kits available, while a larger 11-month supply order is […]

19 November, 2025

Health / Medical

Cancer Association Expands Palliative Care to Erongo

The Cancer Association of Namibia, CEO Rolf Hansen, says they are set to open a new 10-bed palliative care unit in Swakopmund on 23 January 2026. Hansen confirmed that construction and furnishing are complete, staff recruitment began in mid-November, and the initiative underscores a shared commitment to providing dignified and accessible care for cancer patients and their families, while plans for the Windhoek West facility are progressing well.

18 November, 2025

Health / Medical

Cancer Association extends palliative care to Erongo Region

By: Selma Taapopi The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) has expanded its palliative care services to the Erongo Region with the establishment of a new unit in Swakopmund. According to a media statement from CAN CEO, Rolf Hansen, the facility will begin operating on 23 January 2026, following the completion of all registrations, statutory approvals, and administrative requirements. Construction and furnishing of the unit have been finalised, and recruitment began […]

17 November, 2025

Health / Medical

South Africa launches cholera vaccine trial

Biovac CEO, Dr. Morena Makhoana, described the laboratory as a cornerstone for Africa’s scientific and health advancement. Photo Credit: Twitter(@dstigovza) The Biovac pharmaceutical company has kicked off phase 1 clinical trials of South Africa’s first fully locally manufactured vaccine in over 50 years — an oral cholera vaccine developed in Cape Town. According to Times LIVE, the launch, held at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit at the University of the […]

11 November, 2025

Health / Medical

Pink October Highlights Breast Cancer Prevention

The global Pink October campaign promotes awareness, early detection, and patient support for breast cancer. According to Rolf Hansen, CEO of the Cancer Association, the initiative stresses prevention, regular mammograms, and hope, represented by the pink ribbon.

24 October, 2025