Mental Health Act of 2026

2026-10-112026-10-23

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Mental Health Act of 2026

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

October 2026
13 OctWindhoek Observer
… This investment will progressively strengthen the workforce’s capacity to meet nationwide mental health needs and support the implementation of the anticipated Mental Health Act of 2026,” the document reads. …
Health ministry plans five mental health units
12 OctThe Namibian
… aining in psychiatry to three annually, with the aim of producing 21 additional psychiatrists by 2037. “This would ensure an accessible and adequately staffed workforce capable of meeting nationwide needs and support the implementation of the anticipated Mental Health Act of 2026 …
Mental health units mandatory for new Namibian hospitals
12 OctWindhoek Observer
… Witbooi also welcomed the adoption of the Mental Health Bill by the National Assembly in June 2026 and the National Council in August, paving the way for its signature into the Mental Health Act of 2026. …
Namibia’s suicide rate surpasses African average
11 OctThe Namibian
… ry also plans to increase the number of doctors sent for psychiatric specialisation to three annually. “This would ensure an accessible and adequately staffed workforce capable of meeting nationwide needs and support the implementation of the anticipated Mental Health Act of 2026 …
Namibia anticipates five new mental health units by 2037 – Luvindao

Society

Health ministry plans five mental health units by 2037

The News

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 →

Tuesday 13 October

Health ministry plans five mental health units by 2037
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 →

Monday 12 October

New district and above hospitals must include mental health units
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 →
Namibia's suicide rate exceeds African average at 18 per 100,000
Namibia recorded 18 suicide deaths per 100,000 people in 2024/25, surpassing the African regional average of 11. Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for urgent action to strengthen mental health services, improve access to care, and reduce stigma that prevents people from seeking help.
12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 11 October

Ministry plans five new mental health units by 2037
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 →