The public health situation in Namibia remains stable and under control, and the government is pleased with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) performance.

This assurance was provided by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, during the courtesy call by the WHO Chief at State House.

In the past, Namibia experienced an overburden of communicable diseases such as HIV, TB, and malaria.

This has seen the government increase investments in the health sector to bring infection rates under control and ensure access to treatment.

But there are looming concerns over lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, cancer, and diabetes among Namibians.

The Health Minister says the sector is prepared to deal with any emergency, given the lessons drawn from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WHO is also strengthening the capacities of its country offices worldwide to better respond to health emergencies alongside world governments.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ghebreyesus appealed to Namibia to lobby more African countries to ratify the Africa Medicines Agency treaty.

Namibia has already ratified the treaty, which the WHO chief says aims to help the continent access medicines and give it greater leverage.

The Africa Medicines Agency's objective is also to regulate medicines and related products, provide regulatory guidance, and harmonise medical regulation efforts across the continent.