Dr Kalumbi Shangulaproposedrenaming the divorce bill to 'marriage dissolution' law
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“If anything, we agree with Dr Kalumbi Shangula's proposal to rename the divorce bill to avoid its negative connotation.Shangula has proposed an official and neutral term – 'marriage dissolution' law.”
Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangulaannouncedcases of high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes are overwhelming
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“Last August, minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula announced that cases of high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes are overwhelming.”
Health minister Kalumbi Shangularevealed this in the National Assembly on Thursdaythe ministry's plan to eliminate malaria by 2027
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“Health minister Kalumbi Shangula revealed this in the National Assembly on Thursday after Winnie Moongo, a member of parliament and a healthcare professional, questioned him over the shortage of materials and equipment for testing for malaria infection.”
Minister Kalumbi ShangulasaysBenylin paediatric syrup is currently not registered in Namibia
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“Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula says Benylin paediatric syrup, which has been recalled by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra), is currently not registered in Namibia.”
Health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangulasaysleprosy in Namibia is not a thing of the past
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“Health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula says leprosy in Namibia is not a thing of the past as the country still records a number of cases every quarter.”
Kalumbi Shangulaopenedthe exhibition on 9 February
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“the exhibition was opened by the minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula on 9 February, and will run at the National Art Gallery of Namibia until 27 March.”
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.