The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is empowering social workers with coping skills to combat tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy diseases in Namibia. 

The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Utjiua Muinjangue, who officially opened the training, highlighted the stigma and discrimination associated with TB and leprosy.

Therefore, this initiative to involve social workers is instrumental in addressing these societal challenges.

"Patients are often reluctant to disclose their TB status due to the very real possibility of facing stigma and discrimination within their homes, workplaces, and communities."

Tjatja Kavari, a social worker with the ministry's TB and Leprosy Programme, adds that the training is expected to give social workers a contextual understanding as well as the skills needed to maximise service delivery.

Namibia, as per the World Health Organisation, is currently ranked among the top 30 countries globally with the highest estimated TB incidence rate.