The increasing use of drugs and alcohol, especially among teenagers, has become a serious concern for residents of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund in the Erongo Region.

This was shared during the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Social Development, and Family Affairs consultations on gender-based violence and femicide in the towns.

Committee chairperson Gotthard Kasuto says consultations follow a petition in 2020 by the Shut It All Down Movement to Parliament seeking an end to sexual violence and femicide.

A shortage of equipment, limited space, insufficient staff, and inadequate funds are among the factors continuing to hamper the efficiency and effectiveness of services at the Windhoek Central Hospital.

This came to light during an inspection visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Social Development, and Family Affairs at the hospital. The dilapidated state of healthcare facilities has been an ongoing concern in the country.

Shortages of hospital beds, ambulances, poor staff accommodation, especially at Otjinene, and delays in procurement are some of the factors affecting the provision of healthcare service delivery in the Omaheke Region.

This was revealed by Omaheke Regional Governor Pijoo Nganate during a visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Social Development, and Family Affairs at Gobabis.

Governor Nganate stressed that health is one of the sectors that needs urgent attention, especially the provision of ambulances in rural areas.