Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services, says his ministry will continue to work to improve healthcare services in both urban and rural areas.

Dr. Shangula told nbc News at his homestead in Etilyasa village in the Omusati Region that expanding services is critical to the ministry in order to ensure inclusive health services.

However, Dr. Shangula was quick to point out that the government's efforts alone will not achieve a healthy society and require a collective undertaking with other stakeholders.

"We will continue to improve on the offerings and the quality of service, but I would like to state that we are also looking forward to the cooperation of the public because without it we will not be able to achieve what we intend to achieve. Health is a collective responsibility and demands the cooperation of everybody to ensure we maintain personal hygiene and protect ourselves."

The COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted outreach health programs and left them lacking sufficient manpower to provide prompt services.

Following the surge in COVID-19 cases reported in Latin America and China, Dr. Shangula says the situation in Namibia is still under control and the government is ready to deal with any outbreak.

"In the event, there will be an upsurge in the number of cases we are prepared to deal with it as we have done in the past. The foundation has been laid, the infrastructure is in place, and we have acquired additional human resources; some of whom can be called on short notice. We have improved on our diagnostic capabilities, and we have also improved on our diagnostic capabilities and medicine."