Also known as: minister Luvindao · Dr. Luvindao · Dr Luvindao · Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao · Hon. Dr. Luvindao · Hon Dr Luvindao · health minister Esperance Luvindao · Dr Esperance Luvindao · Dr. Esperance Luvindao · Dr Esperence Luvindao · Minister of Health and Social Services Dr Esperance Luvindao · Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao · current health minister Esperance Luvindao · Health and social services minister · Health Minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao · Minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao · Hon. Dr. Esperance Luvindao
Health and Social Services Minister overseeing mental health expansion, hospital infrastructure, and medical workforce planning in Namibia.
News reports
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The Namibian
Health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao announced the opening of the World Health Organisation, International Atomic Energy Agency and International Agency for Research on Cancer imPACT Review Mission
“This was announced by health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao yesterday at the opening of the World Health Organisation, International Atomic Energy Agency and International Agency for Research on Cancer imPACT Review Mission.”
Namibia could face 6 300 cancer cases annually by 2045Windhoek Observer
Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao has warned that Namibia could face an 84% increase in cancer cases by 2045
“Patience Makwele Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao has warned that Namibia could face an 84% increase in cancer cases by 2045, as health experts raised concerns over delayed diagnoses, limited rural screening services and growing barriers to treatment.”
Namibian cancer cases set to surge 84% by 2045Informanté
Esperance Luvindao was named among 15 women selected for 2026 Amujae Initiative
“MINISTER of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, has been named among the 15 women selected for the 2026 fifth cohort of the Amujae Initiative, a pan-African leadership programme recognising influential female leaders across the continent.”
Luvindao among 2026 Amujae Initiative leadership cohortInformanté
Dr Luvindao tabled Namibia's Mental Health Bill in November 2025
“In November 2025, Luvindao tabled Namibia's Mental Health Bill, aimed at repealing legislation that had remained unchanged since 1973.”
Luvindao among 2026 Amujae Initiative leadership cohortWindhoek Observer
Health minister Esperance Luvindao announced ministry will begin issuing monthly reports on medicine deliveries and stock levels
“The visit also comes after health minister Esperance Luvindao announced this week that the ministry will begin issuing monthly reports on medicine deliveries and stock levels to improve transparency and stabilise supplies.”
Medicine shortages gives NNN sleepless nightsThe Namibian
Health minister Esperance Luvindao is pushing for the partnership
“Sources say health minister Esperance Luvindao is pushing for the partnership, although internal resistance remains within parts of the public health sector.”
Health ministry plans private hospital partnership to clear surgery backlogThe Namibian
Health minister Esperance Luvindao claimed medicine stock levels have improved
“Medical specialists at public hospitals are disputing health minister Esperance Luvindao's claims that medicine stock levels have improved.”
Doctors disagree with Luvindao over public hospital medication shortagesWindhoek Observer
Health minister Esperance Luvindao was publicly accused of professional misconduct by medical doctors
“Her presidency also faced early controversy after medical doctors publicly accused health minister Esperance Luvindao of professional misconduct and questioned medical records linked to operations allegedly not performed.”
Ngurare says NNN deserves two full terms …calls succession debate premature and childishThe Namibian
Esperance Luvindao said several essential products are understocked or out of stock, warranting emergency procurement
“"… Several essential products are understocked or out of stock, warranting emergency and direct procurement to provide for these products in the short term, and bulk supplies to stabilise and maintain stocks over the long term," Luvindao said.”
Health ministry says medicine stock at 60% as shortages persistThe Namibian
Minister Esperance Luvindao was criticised for silence on medicine shortage issue
“Kauandenge also took on the minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao for what he described as silence on the issue.”
Kauandenge condemns government silence on medicine shortagesNamibia has recorded no reported illness linked to a recalled batch of Nestlé NAN Special Pro HA infant formula, despite concerns over possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. The health minister said the recall was precautionary, but warned that potential consequences could be serious because the affected population involves infants.
8 hours ago · The Namibian →
Namibia has recorded no reported illness linked to a recalled batch of Nestlé NAN Special Pro HA infant formula, despite concerns over possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. The health minister said the recall was precautionary, but warned that potential consequences could be serious because the affected population involves infants.
8 hours ago · The Namibian →
Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao says the ministry is open to an independent inquiry a year after a mother and her newborn baby died at Lüderitz District Hospital.
22 hours ago · Namibian Sun →
South Africa has issued a third formal diplomatic protest against US ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III in nine months over what it characterises as undiplomatic conduct and interference in domestic affairs. The latest row follows Bozell's public statements that Washington has ended dialogue with Pretoria, and South African officials have warned the country to prepare for worsening relations amid what they call US pressure to surrender sovereignty.
19 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Paediatric cardiologist Dr Fenny Shidhika has resigned from the Ministry of Health and Social Services following a ministerial investigation into alleged bullying at the hospital's cardiac unit. A ministerial investigation found that at least 10 medical officers have left the cardiac unit since 2019, with some accusing Shidhika of bullying, verbal abuse, and poor working conditions.
13 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Health Ministry plans to establish at least five additional mental health units by 2037, increase annual mental health funding, and send more doctors for psychiatric specialisation to address limited access to specialised mental health care. The commitments were outlined following approval of the Mental Health Bill of 2025, with the ministry acknowledging that only four Namibian psychiatrists are available nationwide.
13 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's health minister announced that no new public or private hospital at district level or above will be permitted without a dedicated mental health unit, as part of six national commitments to improve mental healthcare access. The requirement mandates that hospitals incorporate fit-for-purpose mental health units meeting standards for dignity, accessibility, privacy and patient safety.
12 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The ministry of health and social services has committed to strengthening support for patients with serious illnesses through improved pain management, treatment referrals, and psychological and nutritional support as Namibia seeks to expand palliative care access. However, Windhoek Central Hospital currently lacks a formal palliative care department and is pursuing a phased approach to building specialist capacity.
12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services aims to establish at least five new mental health units countrywide by 31 March 2037 to improve access to care in underserved regions. The country currently has only two mental health institutions: Windhoek Central Hospital and Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.
11 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia recorded an estimated 4,205 new cancer cases and more than 2,000 cancer deaths in 2024, according to figures from the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed among women, while cervical cancer accounted for 18.3% of all cancers among women.
10 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has called for responsible prescribing and monitoring of weight-loss and metabolic treatments such as Ozempic and Mounjaro amid growing public demand. The ministry warned against counterfeit and substandard products, and raised concerns about health misinformation on social media and unregulated self-medication.
9 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters has called on the president to establish a commission of inquiry into procurement, tenders, contracts, and possible conflicts of interest at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, saying a denial from the health minister cannot replace an independent investigation when serious questions are raised about public resources.
9 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao has rejected allegations that she used her brother's law firm and government funds to pay for a private lawyer in a defamation lawsuit against the Windhoek Observer, saying such claims should not be treated as fact without evidence. She told Parliament that her siblings' professions and businesses should not be presented as evidence of ministerial wrongdoing.
8 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Katima Mulilo District Hospital refers an average of 30 patients monthly to facilities outside the Zambezi region, with 372 referrals recorded between April 2024 and March 2025. The Health Ministry plans to upgrade the hospital to intermediate status through introducing specialised services, recruiting qualified professionals, and expanding infrastructure, including a newly commissioned Intensive Care Unit.
30 September 2026 · New Era →
Health Minister Esperance Luvindao says the Ministry of Health and Social Services cannot automatically absorb medical interns, dentists, and other health professionals into the public health system because it has only a limited number of funded vacant posts dependent on available financial resources and approved positions.
28 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Health minister Esperance Luvindao told parliament that State hospitals cannot always treat Motor Vehicle Accident Fund patients because of limited clinical expertise, theatre space, and intensive care beds. The MVA Fund, financed through a fuel levy, has invested in public health facilities for nearly two decades and continues working to strengthen public healthcare.
28 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia inaugurated a N$28 million Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital, its first dedicated facility in the public health sector. The Health Minister said the unit is critical to achieving targets under the Sixth National Development Plan to reduce neonatal and under-five mortality rates by 2030.
28 September 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services will announce an employment and placement agreement for medical interns in the first week of October, following lengthy discussions among parties involved. Minister Luvindao cited financial resources and service demand as determinants of absorption capacity and noted the ministry is coordinating with learning institutions to align student intake with demand.
27 September 2026 · Informanté →
Health minister Esperance Luvindao inaugurated Namibia's first dedicated public paediatric intensive care unit at Windhoek Central Hospital, part of a government investment of about N$28 million in medical equipment and infrastructure. The ministry aims to reduce paediatric ICU deaths from the previous 14.5% rate to below 2.5%.
23 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Mariental District Hospital's oxygen-generation plant, which experienced an explosion on 6 June and was switched off at the end of July due to repeated operational problems, is undergoing repairs after the Ministry of Health appointed a new contractor to address underlying issues rather than continue with temporary maintenance.
21 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Mariental State Hospital has relied on oxygen cylinders while its main oxygen plant undergoes major repairs following an explosion on 6 June and intermittent operational problems. The Ministry of Health pursued a longer-term solution, appointing a new company in August to address underlying issues rather than continue with temporary maintenance.
18 September 2026 · Informanté →
The government inaugurated its first Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine at Windhoek Central Hospital, ending over three decades of reliance on private facilities. The government spent N$80 million on private MRI referrals for over 4,000 patients in the past five years and expects to save about N$16 million annually with the public facility.
14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated Namibia's first state-owned Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at Windhoek Central Hospital, hailing it as a milestone toward equitable healthcare access regardless of socio-economic background.
11 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services commissioned the first government-owned Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine at Windhoek Central Hospital, with Health Minister Esperance Luvindao calling it a historic milestone that brings state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging to the public sector, which serves 85 percent of the population. The facility aligns with the Ministry's five-year strategic plan and universal health coverage policy.
11 September 2026 · Informanté →
The family of a 39-year-old woman from Etope village in Ohangwena has accused medical staff at Eenhana District Hospital of negligence after the woman and her newborn died on 30 August 2026 during labour. The family alleges doctors and nurses failed to provide necessary care during delivery, including prescribing seven doses of labour-inducing medication and telling the woman not to push, and has called on the health minister to investigate.
10 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's health ministry launched a digital disability assessment system, but advocates warn that poor rural connectivity, inadequate equipment, limited digital skills, and lack of follow-up support could create barriers—particularly in remote areas. The Namibian Organisation of Youth with Disabilities calls for alternatives for people without smartphones or reliable internet access, and for clear pathways linking assessments to actual support services.
8 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The United States is phasing out HIV funding to Namibia, leaving over 29,000 Namibians facing loss of critical support services. The US will transition from financial assistance to technical cooperation, providing US$45 million for Namibia's HIV response in 2027/28, but advocacy groups warn the reduction will have a "huge impact" on treatment programmes and people living with HIV who depend on donor funding.
7 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched a Digital Programme for Medical Assessments of Persons with Disabilities aimed at improving how people with disabilities are assessed and connected to services. According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census, Namibia has 152,790 persons with disabilities, and 12% of households include persons with disabilities.
7 September 2026 · New Era →
Namibia has recorded 122 malaria deaths and 122,612 confirmed cases so far this year, with the government preparing to spray 1.2 million households in malaria-prone regions. The health minister announced that 99,078 cases were contracted locally while 23,354 were imported, and Kavango East region accounts for 30.6% of cases.
6 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund have signed an agreement to improve emergency medical response and trauma care through cooperation on ambulance services, equipment, facility improvements, and training.
5 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has recorded more than 122,000 malaria cases this year, with nearly 10,000 hospital admissions and over 100 deaths; 81% of cases are local transmission. Health Minister Esperance Luvindao called on communities to support Indoor Residual Spraying efforts to reduce transmission, citing preventable illness and strain on healthcare facilities.
4 September 2026 · Informanté →