Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, says Namibia is making steady progress in the expansion of health care services to far-flung rural areas.

Dr. Shangula is currently assessing outreach and visibility programmes aimed at increasing access to quality health care for vulnerable people in the Kunene Region.

Ensuring access to quality primary health care services is critical to strengthening the public health system. 

Healthworkers at the maternity wing at Rundu's Intermediary Hospital have shown off a premature-born baby who defied all odds and is now 1 and a half years old.

Baby Peligrine Triumph Ndara weighed 800 grammes, hardly the size of the hand of an adult person, when she was born on August 2, 2022.

Together with her mother, Lahia Mwira, and staff at the maternity wing at Rundu hospital, baby Peligrine Triumph Ndara's story is one of triumph over adversity.

There is a need for Africa to locally manufacture vaccines and fill immunisation gaps.

Currently, Africa imports 99 percent of its vaccines.

Moreover, more than 90 percent of medicines and medical devices are imported.

This situation has proven to be a challenge in Namibia and other nations during pandemics such as COVID-19, monkeypox, and Ebola.

This is concerning and raises questions about the preparedness for future pandemics, emphasising the importance of partnerships and collaboration.

A delegation comprising Japanese Ambassador Hisao Nishimaki, UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo, and UNICEF Country Representative Sam Ocran visited the Rundu Intermediary Hospital in the Kavango East Region recently.
 
The visit was part of an impact assessment of Japanese assistance to the Kavango East health sector.
 
The Kavango East Region's population of close to 220,000 is served by 31 health facilities, 28 health centres and clinics, two district hospitals, and the Rundu Intermediate Referral Hospital. 

SADC Heads of State and Government say the outbreak of cholera in the region represents a serious threat to sustainable development and the well-being of the people.

There is, therefore, a need for coordinated efforts from member states.

The regional leaders convened a virtual extraordinary summit to discuss the cholera outbreak in some member states.

Children's Parliament is giving prominence and value to children's voices while empowering them to take up positions of responsibility.

This is according to the UNICEF Regional Director and Country Representative, who paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, in Swakopmund.

As a mouthpiece and a platform, the Children's Parliament lobbies and advises the government to fast-track policies that can improve the rights and welfare of children.

UNICEF Regional Director Etleva Kadilli has commended the Namibian government for championing children's rights.

The UNICEF Director, who paid a courtesy call on President Hage Geingob at Swakopmund, says prioritising education is the best strategy any government can adopt to ensure a bright future for the country.

President Geingob informed the UNICEF delegation that after independence, Namibia invested in the sector, but that success has now led to a high number of unemployed graduates.

Japan's involvement in Namibia's health sector signifies hope, progress, and a promise for a better tomorrow.

Deputy Executive Director at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Jeremia Nghipundjua, says that collaborative efforts between Namibia, Japan, and UNICEF underscore the commitment to bolster the country's healthcare infrastructure and safeguard public health in Namibia.

The government of Japan, in partnership with UNICEF, officially handed over vital cold chain supplies to Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services.

UNICEF's Manager for Social Policy at the Namibia Country Office, Jecob Nyamadzwao, says cash benefits for disability grants in many countries cannot cover the basic expenses of people with disabilities, let alone extra costs.

Nyamadzawo shared these sentiments at a Disability Budget Analysis and Inception meeting in the capital.

The government recently increased the disability grant to N$1,300, a move seen as a relief by many.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and National Services in collaboration with UNICEF launched the UPSHIFT program in the Omaheke Region, aimed at providing skills and presenting opportunities for social entrepreneurship among young people.

The UPSHIFT project is expected to provide funding to 18 young people to come up with innovative ideas for starting any business.

Speaking at the launch Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and National Service, Emma Kantema Gaomas, reminded the youth to come up with business proposals that speak to the needs of the community.