The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, has launched the National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, alongside the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre Handbook, a new Digital Learning Platform for healthcare workers.
Speaking at the National Health Training Centre in Windhoek, Shangula emphasised the urgency of strengthening Namibia's preparedness in light of ongoing disease outbreaks, such as malaria and cholera.
Dr. Shangula said that these tools ensure that Namibia is always one step ahead in responding to health emergencies.
"One crucial element of our success is the establishment of our National Public Health Emergency Operation Centre in 2019. These centres are indispensable for coordinating resources, managing responses during health emergencies, and ensuring timely and effective action against public health threats. The objective outlined in the Inter-Regional Strategic Plan for Strengthening Public Health Emergency Operations Centres for 2023-2027 seeks to ensure that at least 90% of WHO Member States in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean Regions will have implemented core PHEOC policies, plans, and procedures by 2027."
These initiatives align with the African Union's Lusaka Declaration, which mandates all member states to establish Public Health Emergency Operation Centres by 2026, enhancing regional coordination in handling health crises.
At the same occasion, the newly appointed members of the Health Professions Council of Namibia were officially sworn in.
The oath-taking ceremony marks the implementation of the Health Professions Act, signed into law in December last year.
Trudy Geises has been appointed as the president of the new Council.
"With this new Council in place, Namibia is positioning itself to enhance the quality of healthcare services across the nation. Each of you taking an oath today, the mission is clear. Go out there and serve the nation to the best of your abilities. The task at hand is to regulate our health professions, ensuring that all practitioners are appropriately qualified, registered, and remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care. Your roles are critical as you navigate the complex landscape of health professions in a nation that is diverse, dynamic, and deserving of the best possible care."
This legislation replaces the 2004 Act and seeks to enhance healthcare regulation, ensuring that all practitioners meet the highest professional standards.