The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), the Katutura Constituency Office, and the University of Namibia (UNAM) have joined hands to raise awareness about mental health stigma and support mental health within communities.

Mental health stigma refers to societal disapproval or shame placed on people who live with a mental illness.

The initiative came after the mental health third-year students carried out research that showed that most people suffer from mental health problems.

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 parents of a stillborn baby boy, who was pronounced dead at birth and later allegedly went missing from the Windhoek State Mortuary in December of last year, are still searching for answers.

Patricia Pienaar and Randall Garieseb say that they are enduring a nightmare as they face challenges in finding closure.

Patricia's story begins with a full-term pregnancy, during which everything seemed normal.

She shares her excitement about becoming a mother again.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has introduced the Pelebox Smart Lockers to provide access to pre-packed chronic medication for HIV, diabetes, epilepsy, and TB patients in the Katutura State Hospital.

The Centre for Disease Control in Namibia provided technical and financial support.

Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula said the introduction of Pelebox Smart Lockers would improve the rates of adherence to treatment among patients on chronic medication as well as decrease treatment defaults in the country.

The Director of Primary Health Care Services in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Naemi Shoopala, has called on all nurses to evolve and sharpen their technology skills as the world becomes increasingly digitised.

Shoopala said this during the commemoration of International Nurses Day at the Katutura Hospital.

Shoopala touched on the importance of universal health coverage and the need for nurses to keep up with the new trends within the profession, which include specialisation and technological advancement.

MPs in the National Council have applauded the Ministry of Health and Social Services for some major achievements and completed programs during the previous fiscal year.

The MPs called on the government to consider employing community extension health workers who helped health professionals and community members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They have also requested that rural clinics operate on weekends and build more facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities.

Namibia is prepared and has a response plan in place in the event of a possible polio outbreak.

This comes after stakeholders participated in a three-day Polio Simulation Exercise in Windhoek.

Namibia had its first Polio Simulation Exercise in 2018.

The country managed to score only slightly over 47% in terms of preparedness as well as on its response plan.

The WHO Polio Eradication Officer, Tenywa Emmanuel, said the results of the recent exercise proved to be much better.

Nuclear science and technology hold enormous potential and can help any given country solve pressing social and economic issues. 

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, has therefore directed the new Atomic Energy Board to mobilize stakeholders and develop common agendas for the enhancement of nuclear science and technology in Namibia.

The health of almost 12,000 children living with HIV across Namibia has rapidly improved due to dolutegravir medication.

The child version of the HIV drug was introduced in July 2021 by the Ministry of Health and Social Services in partnership with the U.S. government.

Dolutegravir, or DTG, has proven to be more effective in treating HIV and less likely to cause side effects in children.

However, according to a media release by the US Embassy in Namibia, there are still challenges to treating and caring for children living with HIV.