Residents of Otjavaya and Orumwe, near the Kunene River, have benefited from free health services through a delegation from the Governor's Office under Operation Kunene River Mouth.

The outreach aims to bring essential healthcare services closer to underserved communities in remote areas. Regional Director of Health and Social Services Thomas Shapumba says the initiative is part of their mandate to reach communities with limited access to healthcare.

Thomas Shapumba, the Health Director for the Kunene Region, said. "The purpose of the visit to this area is to bring the service closure to the people."

The delegation comprises medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and environmental health practitioners, offering various services free of charge.

"For a long time this area has been very, very far, one of the harsh, remote areas in Namibia; hence, our intention, our purpose, is to come and reach them out to help them with their health needs," explained Shapumba.

Services included medical check-ups, general treatment, dental care and immunisation.

Registered Nurse Esta Ngoma says the team also prioritised child immunisation and vitamin A supplementation.

"We are vaccinating the babies from birth to 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 5 years, and we are also giving vitamin A to babies from 6 months to 6 years."

Residents received health education and essential items, including reusable sanitary pads, soap, water containers, clothing and water purification sachets.

"We have containers for fetching water, clothes to sleep with, washing soap, reusable sanitary pads, and water purification sachets," highlighted Environmental Health Practitioner Barbara Kahiha. 

The outreach highlights the importance of taking essential services directly to remote communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing basic healthcare and support.