The Increasing Access to Quality Nutrition and Protection Services for Vulnerable Populations project has immunised nearly 4,000 and dewormed about 2,600 children in Namibia to improve health and nutrient absorption.

Led by the World Health Organisation with support from the Government of Japan, the project aims to reduce malnutrition, enhance healthcare access, and protect women and children from violence and exploitation in affected areas.

Community health workers play a crucial role in bringing healthcare services closer to people and addressing issues such as malnutrition.

During a visit by a delegation from the Health Ministry, WHO, and the Japanese government, Ulrich Kauta, a health worker in Drimiopsis, shared that house-to-house screenings help in monitoring the health of children and expectant mothers, allowing for early identification of malnutrition and timely referrals to health facilities.

The Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, emphasised the need for a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to tackling malnutrition in Namibia, addressing not just healthcare but also underlying factors such as poverty, limited access to education, and food insecurity. 

The delegation also visited the GBV-Victim Protection Unit at Epako Clinic, where social workers discussed the role of community health workers in identifying GBV cases and providing psychosocial support.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, the project helped adapt the WHO Clinical Handbook on child maltreatment. 

Gender Equality Minister Doreen Sioka highlighted the partnership with the Police and GBV-Victim Protection Unit to provide access to care for affected women and children. 

The project also strengthened healthcare workers' capacity to manage severe malnutrition, implement baby-friendly hospital initiative guidelines, and improve health facility standards.

This marks the fifth tripartite agreement between Namibia, Japan, and WHO.

The Japanese government contributed approximately N$9.3 million for 2024, supporting immunisations and deworming efforts.

Japanese Ambassador Hisao Nishimaki reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting Namibia in health, agriculture, education, and emergency response. 

WHO expressed gratitude to Japan for its ongoing support, highlighting the project's success in expanding nutrition, healthcare, and protection for vulnerable women and children.