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New Era
Lahja Nashuuta is the author/contact of this article
“–lnashuuta@nepc.com.na”
Namibia’s mental health system: too few specialists, many patients …the challenges behind Namibia’s Mental Health BillNew Era
Lahja Nashuuta reported on the financial distress of Namibian medical students in Zambia
“The post Health 'fails' to pay tuition fees for students in Zambia appeared first on New Era.”
Health ‘fails’ to pay tuition fees for students in ZambiaNamibia's new Mental Health Bill, applauded in June, confronts operational challenges: the system is severely stretched with too few psychiatrists, inadequate resources, limited community services, and heavy reliance on a single Windhoek facility. In the 2023–2024 fiscal year, over 91,500 outpatient consultations, 11,400 inpatient admissions, and 542 deaths were reported.
17 August 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's new Mental Health Bill, applauded in June, confronts operational challenges: the system is severely stretched with too few psychiatrists, inadequate resources, limited community services, and heavy reliance on a single Windhoek facility. In the 2023–2024 fiscal year, over 91,500 outpatient consultations, 11,400 inpatient admissions, and 542 deaths were reported.
17 August 2026 · New Era →
About six Namibian medical students studying in Zambia on Ministry of Health and Social Services scholarships report that their tuition fees, accommodation, and monthly allowances have not been paid consistently over the past two years, leaving them in financial distress and struggling to complete their training.
30 July 2026 · New Era →
SADC governments spend billions on medicines and supplies, yet hospitals and clinics face shortages of essential drugs. A regional pooled procurement system, approved in 2017, would allow member states to combine purchasing power and negotiate better prices, but implementation remains slow nearly a decade later.
23 July 2026 · New Era →
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, citizens including academics and community voices are urging the country not to take its hard-won freedom and democratic stability for granted, while highlighting ongoing challenges such as youth unemployment, healthcare gaps, and water scarcity in rural areas that require urgent government attention.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Muuaupi Kavari, Senior Private Secretary to Omaheke's governor, discusses her path from three years of voluntary service to her current administrative role coordinating the governor's office. She emphasizes the importance of public service for community development and defends civil servants against criticism of ineffectiveness.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Environment Ministry has denied authorising the Kaoko Fria Smart City project within Skeleton Coast National Park, citing conservation concerns, while the Kunene Regional Council says it was never consulted despite the company's recruitment drive in Windhoek. The company claims it has submitted environmental assessments and is seeking deproclamation of the park for the development.
2 March 2026 · New Era →
Erica Dien, Director of Administration at the Office of the Auditor-General, is marking three decades of service during which she pioneered the office's IT infrastructure and digital transformation, growing the organisation from 80 staff in rented offices to over 200 employees.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
The Ohangwena Regional Council failed to submit required financial statements and supporting documentation for the years ended 31 March 2020–2022, prompting the Auditor General to issue a disclaimer of opinion due to insufficient audit evidence. The audit also found shortcomings including missing environmental clearances for waste facilities, undocumented property and equipment purchases, and unverified rates and taxes contributions.
26 February 2026 · New Era →
According to Namfisa data, 72% of insured Namibians hold funeral insurance policies while only 30% have health insurance, reflecting cultural priorities around dignified burial over access to healthcare. Medical professionals warn that the shortage of medical cover leaves uninsured citizens vulnerable to delayed care, financial hardship, and complications from chronic illnesses, while the government develops a Universal Health Coverage Bill to address gaps in the public system.
23 February 2026 · New Era →
Works minister Veikko Nekundi has warned civil servants who are receiving housing subsidies while occupying government-owned houses that the practice violates government policy. The ministry has issued a final call for illegal occupants to vacate government properties by 1 April 2026, with increased penalties and the threat of forced eviction for non-compliance.
20 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's new Dissolution of Marriages Act, assented in October 2024, simplifies divorce procedures by replacing fault-based grounds with a single irretrievable-breakdown standard, while placing strong emphasis on children's rights and fair property division. The law requires courts to ensure proper custody, guardianship, and maintenance arrangements for children before granting divorce, and removes outdated mechanisms like restitution of conjugal rights.
5 February 2026 · New Era →
Following a fatal land dispute in Oshikoto where a headman was killed and another wounded, Namibian Police have urged traditional leaders to involve law enforcement in community dispute-resolution processes and public gatherings. Police say their mandate includes protecting lives and property, and community engagement is essential for maintaining peace and safety.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade, alongside political parties, condemned the United States' military strike against Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, citing violations of international law and national sovereignty. The government reaffirmed solidarity with Venezuela based on shared anti-colonial history, though some opposition figures questioned the framing while still opposing unilateral military intervention.
6 January 2026 · New Era →