The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services says individuals grappling with mental health challenges are at a high risk of contemplating and attempting suicide.

Dr. Utjiua Muinjangue said this during the commemoration of World Mental Day held at Usakos under the theme "Mental health is a universal human right".

Many people globally experience mental illness or have at least one member of the family with a mental health condition.

These include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or untreated psychosis.

The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services says that the health and well-being of employees are concerning, hence the need to create platforms to discuss strategies on how to improve their well-being.

Dr. Utjiua Muinjangue was speaking at the Employee Wellness Indaba Conference held in Windhoek.

Dr. Muinjangue says a recent survey revealed that over 70% of employees in Namibia suffer from work stress or chronic health conditions.

This causes a 35% productivity loss for Namibian companies.

The Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, has called on young people to make use of technology and advance business opportunities around it.

Theofelus made this call at the opening of the Omaheke Youth Camp and Exhibition 2023 at Gobabis.

"I urge all of you here today as young people to embrace technology and use it as a creation of a better future for ourselves and our communities. Take advantage of the resources available to you and work to develop your skills in areas such as coding, digital marketing, and e-commerce."

Young people and adolescents with HIV are urged to suppress their viral load by adhering to treatment while those who do not know their status should start to realise the benefits of knowing where they stand. 

These were the sentiments of UNICEF's Country Representative, Rachel Odede who was speaking at the Undetectable=Untransmittable campaign organised by Young empowerment Group in the capital.

Namibia has come a long way in fighting against HIV/AIDS and has improved the quality of HIV prevention services. 

The National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) has pardoned its members who were suspended and expelled.

Party President Dr Utjiua Muinjangue told a media conference that the decision by the Central Executive Committee aims to restore unity ahead of the 2024 national elections.

Those expelled from the party in 2019 include former Okakarara Constituency Councillor, Vetaruhe Kandorozu.

The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Utjiua Muinjangue is dismayed at the lack of basic materials and equipment at state health facilities.

Dr Utjiua Muinjangue shared this concern at the opening of a week-long national annual Planning and Financial Management Convention at Otjiwarongo.

Dr Muinjangue stressed the need to transform and strengthen the health and economic security of the country.

The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Utjiua Muinjangue, says the sharp increase in suicides in the country can be mitigated through collective efforts in assisting those at their lowest ebb.

Dr Muinjangue made these remarks at the World Suicide Prevention and World Mental Health Day commemorations in Tsandi, Omusati region.

The Deputy Minister says mental health promotion and suicide prevention are directly linked.

Suicide and mental health disorders have been on the rise in Namibia in recent years.