The need for local pharmaceutical production in Namibia and the African continent was emphasised during a courtesy visit to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus.

Dr. Ghebreyesus, says Africa cannot continue being left behind with medicine, especially during global health risks, giving specific reference to the time of Covid-19 when Africa was left behind in quality vaccines and treatments.

The Director-General is in Namibia for the Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee meeting currently underway in Windhoek.

"The Africa CDC is one of the agendas, and also to encourage local production. You know what happened during Covid when Africa was left behind in terms of equity with vaccines and treatments and the other reform agenda also in, you know, improving domestic resources for health. All these are very important, which you're doing. And Africa has a reason to have the meeting here, and all three agenda items are actually in line with your reform."

Dr. Ghebreyesus stressed WHO's commitment to support Namibia in health matters.

The two leaders exchanged views on the countries' health priorities, regional health cooperation and continued collaboration between Namibia and WHO to strengthen health systems and enhance quality health services.

"You know how busy that office is, particularly your team, which was not an easy one. A lot of health issues were just coming up, and then it required your presence. We appreciate that you even managed to come and see this meeting up. Our regional ministers of health meeting, which I thought was going to open today. But we had a programme that has changed," stated President Nandi-Ndaitwah.