Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula says his ministry is ready to extend its services to those in need, as suicide statistics over the past year paint a grim picture of depression in Namibia.

The number of deaths by suicide and suicide attempts is on the rise.

Of the 623 cases recorded over the past year, including teens and minors, 82% are male.

Dr. Shangula says the rising suicide rate can, to a large extent, be explained by untreated mental health conditions.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is hard at work to finalise drafting the Mental Health Bill to be tabled in Parliament.

Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula said this at the inauguration of the Mental Health Board for the Windhoek Central Hospital on Friday.

The Bill aims to prioritise the dignity, anatomy, human rights, and overall well-being of individuals with mental health conditions.

Dr. Shangula also stressed that mental health patients are usually stigmatised and treated inhumanely.

The public health situation in Namibia remains stable and under control, and the government is pleased with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) performance.

This assurance was provided by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, during the courtesy call by the WHO Chief at State House.

In the past, Namibia experienced an overburden of communicable diseases such as HIV, TB, and malaria.

This has seen the government increase investments in the health sector to bring infection rates under control and ensure access to treatment.

Occupational therapy is a critical part of Namibia's rehabilitation landscape.

The Minister of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, shared the sentiments during the Occupational Therapy Africa Regional Group's 12th Congress in Windhoek.

Dr. Shangula says the field has made significant strides in areas including wheelchair seating, mental health, and hand therapy.

The occupational therapist has also played a crucial role in the establishment of wheelchair clinics and the creation of assistive devices.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has launched the third edition of the National Technical Guidelines for Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response.

The guidelines aim to build capacities for early detection, confirmation, and response to public health threats to prevent unnecessary illness, death, and disability.

The guidelines will assist in detecting communicable and non-communicable diseases, toxic foods, and the ability to report timely, respond, and evaluate.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has declared the end of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Namibia.

"The 15th of June 2023 marked the 28th day following the demise of the confirmed case. The date is considered the last possible day of exposure. There have been no additional cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever detected in the country. In consequence, I hereby declare the end of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Namibia. This is indeed an act of skill, endurance, and ingenuity," said Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula.

The tobacco epidemic is recognised as one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever encountered.

This statement was made by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, during the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day, held in Oshakati.

According to the World Health Organisation, tobacco use is responsible for killing up to half of its users.

About six million people die each year due to tobacco-related causes.