Namibia’s Health and Social Services Minister has challenged UN member states to urgently confront the concurrent challenges posed by TB and COVID-19.

Dr. Kalumbi Shangula says the strategy must be holistic, considering both medical and health dimensions as well as the intricately interwoven dynamics of socio-economic welfare.

679 cases of suicide have been reported in Namibia since last year, of which 82% were men.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, stated that the suicide rate among men is high because men are discouraged from seeking help because they are often labelled as weak.

In a speech delivered on his behalf at the conference on mental health and psychosocial support for men at Oshakati, Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Shangula said mental health is one of the current public health crises globally.

The challenges of a lack of aging ambulances in the Otjozondjupa Region are finally receiving attention.

The region only has two functioning ambulances out of a fleet of six to transport patients to and from the district hospitals of Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, and Grootfontein.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, acknowledged the shortage of ambulances and gave assurance that the ministry would speed up the process to procure one for Okakarara.

Namibia is among the top ten countries with high tuberculosis cases in the World.

Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula calls on community members with TB symptoms to get tested and start receiving treatment without delay.

Dr. Shangula was speaking at the commemoration of World TB Day in Tsumkwe under the theme Yes! We can end TB!

Namibia recorded 8,604 cases of TB last year, an increase of 30% compared to 2021.

Dr. Shangula says it is devastating that TB cases are high while the disease is preventable and treatable.

The recent cancellation of the N$650 million clinical supply tender of the Ministry of Health and Social Services has negatively impacted the supply of medicines, beds, and equipment in state hospitals and clinics. 

The Minister of Health and Social Service Dr. Kalumbi Shangula said this during a visit to health facilities in the Otjozondjupa Region this week, following concerns of shortages of supplies.

A visit to health facilities in the region revealed common complaints by medical staff.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula said COVID-19 cases are still manageable.
 

Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula officially opened the Oikokola Primary Healthcare Clinic in Etayi constituency in Omusati Region.

The clinic's construction was funded by the government at a cost of N$17.9 million.

On Monday, Dr. Shangula opened another primary health care clinic at Iipanda Yamiti in Oshikuku district.

He says primary health care is the foundation for a stronger health system.

Health and Social Services Minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula has urged his ministry staff to redouble their efforts in executing their shared mandate of providing quality health services and welfare to the citizens.

Opening his ministry's management staff workshop in Windhoek on Monday, Dr. Shangula stressed the need for improved service delivery.

While commending the achievements recorded in addressing TB and HIV/AIDS in the country, the minister feels more needs to be done.

The Pharmacist Care Association of Namibia has launched the 2023 Namibia Health Exhibition.

The initiative scheduled to take place in September this year will bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, and innovators to showcase the latest developments in the field of healthcare. 

The Namibia Health Exhibition will provide a unique opportunity to highlight the important work being done by the private sector to improve public health, from research, and development of new treatments and technologies, to the provision of essential health services and products. 

The Minister of Health and Social Services says the delivery of public health services can be enhanced through strong partnerships.

Dr. Kalumbi Shangula said this at the staff rotating ceremony of the 14th and 15th Chinese Medical Teams in Windhoek today.

Since 1996, China has been sending medical personnel to Namibia to contribute to the provision of health care services in the country.

Dr. Shangula noted that the presence of these teams in Namibia’s health facilities has enriched the services delivered to patients.