The Ministry of Health and Social Services has inaugurated a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Swakopmund District Hospital to improve survival rates for premature and critically ill newborns.

The N$30 million 28-bed facility includes intensive care, high care, standard care and isolation beds, as well as a 12-bed lodge.

Inaugurating the facility, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services Suzan Ndjaleka said the unit is a major step in strengthening maternal and child health services.

Swakopmund Hospital handles more than 5,500 births annually.

"For many parents, that first cry is followed by a period of intense anxiety when their little ones arrive earlier or smaller than expected, or with health challenges that require more than just a mother's embrace. They require the intervention of modern science, the steady hands of clinical specialists, and the sanctuary of a dedicated medical environment."

The ministry aims to reduce the neonatal mortality rate from 24 to 10 per 1000 live births.

Erongo Governor Nathalia |Goagoses urged communities to protect public health facilities.

"For too long, families in our region have endured the anxiety of limited neonatal care, often compelled to travel long distances to Windhoek for specialised services. In many cases, beds were unavailable due to limited capacity, leaving families in distress. Today, with the establishment of this NICU, hope has been brought closer to home."

The Swakopmund mayor, Suamma Kautondokwa, urged healthcare workers to serve with compassion and professionalism.

"I surely believe that this facility represents hope for families, hope for mothers, and most importantly, hope for our newborns who require specialised care at the earliest and most critical stage of life."

She reaffirmed the municipality's commitment to strengthening healthcare services and improving community wellbeing.