Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
May 2026
The Namibian
Kalumbi Shangulasaysgovernment has always referred state patients to private healthcare when state cannot provide services
Source
“Meanwhile, former health minister Kalumbi Shangula says the government has always referred state patients to private healthcare when the state cannot provide such services.”
Kalumbi Shangulasayslegal gap in Namibian law allows abuse of surrogacy arrangements
Source
“Former minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula says the legal gap in Namibian law leaves room for the abuse of surrogacy arrangements.”
Former minister Kalumbi Shangulaassured the public that the planned construction was not a campaign tool ofthe Swapo government
Source
“During the groundbreaking event in 2024, former minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula assured the public that the planned construction of the district hospital was not a campaign tool of the Swapo government.”
Kalumbi Shangulasays the labelling of HIV treatment rooms started withcontractors during construction of health facilities
Source
“Former health minister Kalumbi Shangula says the labelling of HIV treatment rooms started with contractors during the construction of health facilities, and that health officials often fail to remove them after handovers.”
Kalumbi Shangulasays it was never the policy ofthe Ministry of Health and Social Services to label such rooms
Source
“Shangula told The Namibian yesterday that it was never the policy of the Ministry of Health and Social Services to label rooms where treatment for HIV-AIDS and tuberculosis are provided because such labels can foster stigma and discrimination.”
Former minister of health Dr Kalumbi Shanguladeserves recognition forhis role during Covid-19 pandemic
Source
“In this context, flowers must also be given where they are due. Former minister of health Dr Kalumbi Shangula deserves recognition for his role during that difficult period.”
Former health minister Kalumbi Shangulahas acknowledgedthe scale of the crisis
Source
“Former health minister Kalumbi Shangula has acknowledged the scale of the crisis, telling the parliament that 11 742 new positions have been approved over the next six years at a cost of N$4.5 billion.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is considering a proposal to refer state cancer patients from the northern regions to the Namibian Oncology Centre for chemotherapy and radiation treatment at state cost, under a proposed contractual agreement. The proposal aims to ease pressure on patients who currently travel long distances to Windhoek, though it has sparked internal debate about outsourcing care while government facilities face funding shortages.
Why it matters
Ministry considers contracting private oncology centre to reduce patient burden and travel for cancer treatment in northern regions.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is considering a proposal to refer state cancer patients from the northern regions to the Namibian Oncology Centre for chemotherapy and radiation treatment at state cost, under a proposed contractual agreement. The proposal aims to ease pressure on patients who currently travel long distances to Windhoek, though it has sparked internal debate about outsourcing care while government facilities face funding shortages.
The Namibia Nurses Union says nurses remain the backbone of the healthcare system despite facing staff shortages, burnout, unsafe working conditions and limited professional development opportunities, and called on government, healthcare institutions and policymakers to prioritize nurses' welfare and protection. A PDM MP also called on government to prioritize the mental well-being of psychiatric nurses, proposing dedicated psychological support and a special mental wellness allowance for those working in psychiatric departments.
Medical experts and legal analysts warn that Namibia lacks laws regulating surrogacy, creating risks of exploitation and trafficking, following a fraudulent advertisement offering N$800,000 to surrogates. While South Africa and Botswana have experience with regulated or unregulated surrogacy arrangements, Namibia's legal framework remains silent on the matter, leaving parties with no legal protection and prompting calls for amendments to the Child Care and Protection Act.
Construction of a planned 500-bed state hospital in Windhoek's Havana settlement has not yet commenced, two years after a 2024 groundbreaking ceremony, despite being scheduled for 2027 completion. Residents and opposition parties question the project's progress, while the health ministry reports that preliminary infrastructure work including road and utility connections is underway.
The National Council for Higher Education celebrated its 20th anniversary and inaugurated its new headquarters, with Vice President Lucia Witbooi calling for a higher education system that is globally competitive, locally relevant and socially just. The building was named in honour of the late Zedekia Josef Ngavirue, the Council's founding chairperson.
Former health minister Kalumbi Shangula said contractors placed labels on HIV treatment rooms during facility construction, and facility heads failed to remove them after handovers, contrary to ministry policy against such labelling. The current health minister has raised concerns about the practice, though HIV activists warn that removing labels without broader system changes could create service delivery problems in already-stretched facilities.
A New Era editorial marks the second anniversary of former president Hage Geingob's death, reflecting on his leadership through economic crises, drought, and the Covid-19 pandemic. The piece urges Namibians to honour his legacy by sustaining the foundations he built, including the Harambee prosperity plans and frameworks for unity, resilience and democracy.
Political analysts say the government is overloaded with overlapping committees and advisers that duplicate work and delay service delivery. Critics argue the new Swapo think tank, comprising 37 appointed members, lacks independence and will produce little meaningful output, while a defending analyst says such bodies can help the party and government reassess decisions and plans.