The health sector in the ||Kharas Region is facing severe workforce shortages, limited mental health services, and disparities in access to health services between urban and rural communities.
This is despite substantial investments in infrastructure and equipment.
These sentiments were expressed by the governor of the region, Dawid Gertze, while also reflecting on the achievements of the government in his State of the Region Address held in Keetmanshoop.
Despite drawbacks in some health areas, Governor Gertze revealed that the percentage of children born to HIV-positive mothers who test negative has improved from 97% to an outstanding 100%.
The region also marked major progress in routine immunisation, with coverage rates surpassing 80%.
To bolster healthcare, the government invested N$5.9 million in essential medical equipment, including dialysis units, neonatal ventilators, anaesthesia machines, and CTG monitors.
The Keetmanshoop Hospital now boasts a specialist wing and dialysis centre completed for N$7.4 million.
The Aussenkehr Settlement also saw the completion of a state-of-the-art N$70-million health centre.
Staff quarters were also constructed in Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei at a combined cost of N$15 million.
Further development plans for the region's health sector include the establishment of a mental health centre in Keetmanshoop, the construction of a new primary health centre at Vaalgras Settlement, and the renovation of the Ariamsvlei clinic.
"Despite these remarkable achievements, the health and social services grapple with severe workforce shortages, currently operating at only 35% of their required capacity. Furthermore, the ministry requires an additional N$8.84 million for advanced and surgical tools, such as CT scanners, C-arms, and ICU ventilators."
Governor Gertze said a total of 25 classrooms were constructed across the region.
The Unam Southern Campus has produced over 1200 graduates and now features a state-of-the-art laboratory valued at over N$130 million.
"The presence of institutions such as the Unam Southern Campus, NUST, the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), I-Care, and the Keetmanshoop Vocational Centre signifies a commitment to skills development and the enhanced employability of our youth."
The governor noted that the Green Hydrogen Project in the region continues to gain momentum despite numerous attempts by foreign-funded Namibians to defame it and prevent its realisation.
He further announced that the government is making progress in implementing development plans for the second phase of the Neckartal Dam irrigation project, which is expected to create 11,000 jobs.
Consultants will soon be appointed to develop a design plan for the second phase of development.