President Hage Geingob says universal health coverage remains a priority for Namibia as the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization.

Dr. Geingob said in a statement that the priority is to ensure that every Namibian has access to health care where and when they need it, without the financial burden that may limit access.

Over the past 75 years, the world has witnessed advancements in public health worth celebrating.

This year's theme is "Health for All," and President Geingob says Namibia takes stock of public health milestones.

These include the elimination of polio since October 2008, and the country has continued routine and national immunization campaigns to maintain its polio-free status.

Additionally, the national coverage for most childhood immunizations remains above the global recommended rates, ensuring increased child survival.

The Head of State is also proud of Namibia's investment in HIV pandemic control, which has resulted in a 65% decline in the number of new infections and a 74% decline in HIV-related deaths since 2004.

Namibia is one of the first high-burden countries to approach epidemic control as per the UNAIDS 95-95-95 treatment cascade.

92% of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 99% of them are on treatment, and of the latter, 94% are virally suppressed.

The President says Namibia has made considerable progress in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

In 2022, the country attained a universal coverage of over 95% for the first antenatal care visit, pregnant women's HIV and syphilis testing, and maternal antiretroviral therapy.

President Geingob says in order to increase the provision of a competent health workforce, Namibia established its School of Medicine in 2009 with extensive support from WHO.

As of 2022, the UNAM School of Medicine has trained 400 medical doctors and four specialist anesthetists, who have been deployed in different health facilities throughout the country.