Otjozondjupa Governor John ||Khamuseb has said the region continues to make great strides in strengthening access to quality healthcare and social welfare services.

||Khamuseb highlighted the region's achievements during his State of the Region address in Otjiwarongo last week.

"A significant milestone was the near completion of a Dialysis Centre at Otjiwarongo State Hospital, which will reduce the burden of patient referrals to Windhoek. Infrastructure development also remained a key focus. The construction of Ombili Clinic, funded by B2Gold at a cost of N$6 million, was a major investment. We installed oxygen points in the Okahandja and Grootfontein districts for the amount of N$1.2 million, completed the ICU slab at Otjiwarongo State Hospital for the amount of N$600,000.00, renovated official accommodation at Okakarara Hospital for the amount of N$250,000.00, and made good progress on Okondjatu Clinic, which is 85% complete."

The governor also applauded the ministry's success in fighting malaria through its indoor residual spraying programme.

"In terms of malaria control, the region recorded 442 confirmed cases during the 2024/2025 season, with Grootfontein accounting for the highest burden at 272 cases. Unfortunately, one death was recorded in Okakarara. Indoor residual spraying was conducted in the Okakarara and Grootfontein districts, where vector presence is confirmed. Coverage in Okakarara reached 88%, while Grootfontein achieved 75%. Despite these efforts, the region has not achieved the recommended 85% spray coverage in the past five years due to refusals by community members and locked houses."

||Khamuseb, however, noted challenges of a lack of ambulances and challenges within the procurement system leading to the delays in service delivery.