Also known as: Health ministry · Ministry of Health · The Ministry of Health and Social Services · the health ministry · Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia · MoHSS · Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Namibian government ministry investigating pharmaceutical fraud, supply shortages, and corruption allegations within its healthcare system and Central Medical Stores.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has requested cancellation of a N$194-million tender to build new central medical stores in Windhoek, citing that the expected outcome did not justify costs. The cancellation follows allegations of political interference and concerns raised by the Global Fund over the redirection of its N$194-million donation originally earmarked for the project.
Why it matters
Cancellation of N$194 million medical stores tender following Global Fund concerns signals accountability failures in health infrastructure spending.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has requested cancellation of a N$194-million tender to build new central medical stores in Windhoek, citing that the expected outcome did not justify costs. The cancellation follows allegations of political interference and concerns raised by the Global Fund over the redirection of its N$194-million donation originally earmarked for the project.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services held a strategic meeting with over 50 clinical specialists from Windhoek's main public hospitals, led by Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao, to discuss service delivery improvements and patient care. The engagement focused on preparations for the upcoming financial year and provided a platform for healthcare professionals to share challenges and propose solutions, with a follow-up meeting planned for June 2026.
The Anti-corruption Commission is investigating multiple cases of theft and fraud within the Ministry of Health and Social Services, which also launched its own internal investigation after discovering alleged stock manipulation and diversion of pharmaceutical supplies within the Central Medical Stores. The ministry has reassigned implicated staff members pending investigation outcomes.
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters has challenged the health ministry's decision to transfer rather than suspend officials allegedly involved in pharmaceutical theft and stock record manipulation. Health minister Esperance Luvindao said due process and Public Service Commission regulations must be followed before suspensions can occur.
Members of the public report condoms are out of stock at public hospitals and clinics across Namibia, raising concerns about potential increases in HIV infections, STDs, and teenage pregnancies. The health ministry acknowledged the shortage's importance but stated that HIV prevention relies on multiple interventions beyond condoms, and reassured the public that efforts are underway to stabilise supply chains.
Algeria has committed to fully fund the construction of a medical polyclinic in Namibia, as confirmed during a State House meeting between President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Algeria's Ambassador Abdelkrim Diaf. The initiative strengthens bilateral ties and follows past health cooperation agreements dating to 2008.
Flooding along the Kunene River has destroyed crops in 17 Epupa villages and cut off clean water supply to Otjimuhaka Primary School, which serves about 300 pupils now forced to fetch water from the river. The constituency councillor said assessment is ongoing and a report will be sent to the Office of the Prime Minister.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has welcomed a N$18.4 million support package from Japan aimed at strengthening health systems, improving diagnostic capacity, and enhancing public health emergency preparedness. The assistance includes medical equipment for cancer diagnosis and outbreak response, and is expected to benefit over 118,000 people across eight hospitals while improving water, sanitation, and hygiene access for more than 14,000 people.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is rolling out Round 3 of a polio vaccination campaign from 27 to 30 April, targeting all children aged 10 years and below, following detection of poliovirus type 2 in environmental samples in Rundu, Windhoek, and Gobabis. Although no active cases have been reported, health authorities emphasise vaccination is safe and essential to prevent potential outbreaks.
Officials assessed flood damage in Otjimuhaka village along the Kunene River after residents received early warning and evacuated to higher ground. About 20 households were affected, with crops destroyed, though no lives were lost and the health ministry provided aid including mosquito nets and water purification tablets.