Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, says Namibia is making steady progress in the expansion of health care services to far-flung rural areas.

Dr. Shangula is currently assessing outreach and visibility programmes aimed at increasing access to quality health care for vulnerable people in the Kunene Region.

Ensuring access to quality primary health care services is critical to strengthening the public health system. 

It is an approach and platform through which to offer a range of essential services covering preventive, promotional, curative, and rehabilitative care, among others. 

The project aim in Kunene is to address the causes of ill health, tackle endemic diseases, and promote wellness.

When the patient's health condition cannot be treated at the outreach point, they are then referred to a clinic, health centre, or hospital, as the health minister explains.

"This is part of the public health sector referral pathway. The number of outreach points in the country is increasing to over 1,150; in this region alone, there are close to 200 outreach points. Outreach points are established at places that were chosen through consultation and the guidance of community members themselves."

Dr. Shangula indicated that significant investment will be made with resources mobilised by the Japanese Embassy.

He highlighted that the primary health care outreach programme is one of the best approaches to serving the community.

"Our country continues to enjoy support from our development cooperation partners, such as the Embassy of Japan. In conjunction with United Nations agencies such as the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, the Embassy of Japan has mobilised resources to support the strengthening of our public health system."

The "Access to Quality Care" project is an agreement between Namibia, Japan, and the World Health Organisation to address health emergencies and build resilient health systems. 

"The Government of Japan commits its support to ensuring that the most vulnerable receive comprehensive health care within the framework of leaving no one behind, and we are happy to continue this partnership through a new project focusing on increasing access to quality nutrition and protection services for vulnerable populations, focusing on women and children," said the Ambassador of Japan to Namibia, Hisao Nishimaki.

This is what Dr. Mary Brantuo, the officer in charge of WHO activities in the country, had to say. 

"It is through this collaborative spirit and shared commitment that we are able to make meaningful strides towards improving the well-being of our communities. Your unwavering support and dedication are instrumental in driving forward our shared vision of a healthier and more prosperous Namibia." 

The project is said to at least reach 80% of the targeted population in hard-to-reach areas of the selected districts.