Also known as: The Ministry of Health and Social Services · Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia · MHSS · MOHSS
Namibian government agency responsible for healthcare and social services, oversees hospitals, emergency response, mental health services, and disease prevention.
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New Era
Ministry of Health and Social Services confirmed 101 learners clinically assessed and preliminary laboratory results indicated Salmonella bacteria
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) confirmed that 101 learners were clinically assessed at St Mary's District Hospital in Rehoboth after developing gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, following the incident on 9 July 2026.”
Witkop learners recoverInformanté
Ministry of Health and Social Services has responded to reports of critical medicine shortage at Rundu State Hospital
“THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has responded to reports of a critical shortage of medicines at Rundu State Hospital and clinics, saying the shortage of pharmaceuticals is not an isolated matter but rather an issue currently being experienced countrywide.”
Rundu State Hospital medicine shortage part of national crisis – Health MinistryInformanté
Ministry of Health and Social Services has cut out middlemen by entering into direct agreements with 41 international medicine suppliers
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services has cut out expensive middlemen by entering into direct agreements with 41 international medicine suppliers, an initiative expected to save the country more than N$200 million.”
Rundu State Hospital medicine shortage part of national crisis – Health MinistryWindhoek Observer
The Ministry of Health deserves recognition for immediately initiating an internal administrative investigation alongside the criminal investigation.
“The Ministry of Health deserves recognition for immediately initiating an internal administrative investigation alongside the criminal investigation.”
When trust becomes terror: A system that keeps failing the most vulnerableWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched an internal administrative investigation
“The ministry of health and social services has launched an internal administrative investigation after an intern doctor stationed at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court on a charge of rape.”
Health ministry probes Noa’s fresh rape chargeThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched its own administrative investigation into rape accused Dennis Noa
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched its own administrative investigation into rape accused Dennis Noa (31).”
Ministry launches probe into rape accused doctor NoaThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services says it could not stop a doctor from practising after his acquittal
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it could not stop a doctor from practising after his acquittal, as he now faces a second rape investigation in five years.”
Onandjokwe doctor arrested in second rape investigationThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services has maintained, renovated and rehabilitated healthcare infrastructure across the region
“He said the Ministry of Health and Social Services has maintained, renovated and rehabilitated healthcare infrastructure across the region to improve the safety and reliability of healthcare delivery.”
Omaheke governor Nganate encourages top officials to use state hospitalsWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Health and Social Services paid compensation in 45 medical negligence claims between 2019 and 2024 amounting to almost N$14.7 million
“Records indicate that the ministry of health and social services paid compensation in 45 medical negligence claims between 2019 and 2024 with the payouts amounting to almost N$14.7 million.”
Medical disputes put consent under the spotlightInformanté
Ministry of Health and Social Services spent N$1.2 million on compensatory payouts during 2024/25 financial year
“THE Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has said that it spent a total of N$1.2 million on compensatory payouts related to compensation claims during the 2024/25 financial year.”
Health Ministry spends N$1.2 million on medical negligence payouts during 2024/25 financial yearThe Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund have signed an agreement to improve emergency medical response and trauma care through cooperation on ambulance services, equipment, facility improvements, and training.
5 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund have signed an agreement to improve emergency medical response and trauma care through cooperation on ambulance services, equipment, facility improvements, and training.
5 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has recorded more than 122,000 malaria cases this year, with nearly 10,000 hospital admissions and over 100 deaths; 81% of cases are local transmission. Health Minister Esperance Luvindao called on communities to support Indoor Residual Spraying efforts to reduce transmission, citing preventable illness and strain on healthcare facilities.
4 September 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Health's executive director Penda Iithindi and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund's chief executive officer Rosalia Martins-Hausiku signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday.
4 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →
A woman is suing the ministry of health and social services and the government for N$13 million after a surgical needle allegedly broke and became lodged in her uterus during a procedure at Katutura Intermediate Hospital in February 2016. The High Court rejected the state's attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed on prescription grounds, allowing the claim to proceed, though the court has not yet ruled on whether negligence occurred.
3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The High Court has rejected the state's attempt to dismiss a N$13 million lawsuit filed by a woman who alleges a surgical needle broke and became lodged in her uterus during a 2016 procedure at Katutura Intermediate Hospital. Judge Thomas Masuku ruled that the claim had not expired on prescription, allowing the negligence case to proceed.
3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The National Council has passed the Mental Health Bill (no. 8 of 2025) without amendments. The Bill replaces the Mental Health Act of 1973 and provides an updated legal framework for mental health care, expanded community-based services, stronger patient rights protection, and treatment aligned with modern human rights standards.
1 September 2026 · Informanté →
The San community in Bwabwata National Park, Zambezi region, says family members die while waiting for ambulances during medical emergencies. After three men were hit by a vehicle in August, one 90-year-old pensioner died while waiting five hours for an ambulance to arrive from Katima Mulilo, located 170–202 km away.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Two children—a Grade 1 pupil and a 15-year-old—drowned in the Kavango River at Divundu after a canoe capsized in a strong current. Residents say police did not respond until Saturday, a day after the Friday incident, raising questions about emergency-response systems in communities along rivers.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian men are being urged to speak more openly about mental illness and suicidal thoughts, as cultural expectations of silent endurance contribute to a national social crisis. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, 542 suicides were recorded in the 2023/24 financial year, with 449 being men—more than 82% of all reported suicide deaths.
24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has been equipped with specialised medical equipment worth approximately N$4 million, including a C-Arm imaging machine and orthopaedic tools, to strengthen its capacity to handle trauma and orthopaedic cases locally. The regional health director urged the facility to treat eligible trauma patients on-site rather than transferring them to other providers.
21 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services reported 11 489 people admitted for mental health treatment during the 2024/25 financial year, with 91 544 total mental health cases and 123 deaths. Chief health programme officer Magdalena Didalelwa attributed the burden to stigma, discrimination, family distress, and social ills, and called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration in schools to improve early identification and support.
20 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Nine patients, including seven minors, were admitted to Otavi Health Centre on 18 August 2026 after consuming vodka energy drinks that spilled from an overturned truck. All have been discharged in stable condition with no further referrals, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
20 August 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia recorded 91 544 new mental health cases during the 2024/25 financial year, with 11 489 patients admitted for treatment and 123 deaths. Chief health programme officer Magdalena Didalelwa noted that stigma, limited awareness, and undiagnosed cases mean statistics represent only a fraction of the actual mental health burden.
20 August 2026 · New Era →
The ombudsman has identified cases of malnutrition among trial-awaiting inmates in police holding cells, with findings confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Social Services' Oshana regional office. Overcrowding and delays in the criminal justice system are straining resources, including food budgets.
16 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Cleaners at Tondoro Health Centre in Kavango West have been assigned to construct an administrative building while continuing their normal duties, with no agreement on additional payment. The Ministry of Health and Social Services confirmed staff were asked to assist with construction due to lack of funds to hire a contractor.
16 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Delta Primary School has temporarily closed its hostel after a positive Covid-19 case was detected among hostel staff on Thursday. The Ministry of Health and Social Services ordered the closure immediately, and all Delta pupils have been asked to remain at home from Monday while screening, testing, and disinfection take place.
15 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A caretaker at Delta School's Windhoek hostel tested positive for COVID-19 on 13 August, prompting the hostel's temporary closure. The school has instructed all learners to remain at home, and the premises will be disinfected on 18 August following recommendations from the ministry of health and social services.
15 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The N$21.7 million Onamafila Primary Health Care Clinic in Okongo District has officially opened, bringing healthcare services closer to 24 villages in Ohangwena Region. Minister of Health Esperance Luvindao inaugurated the facility as part of Namibia's commitment to Universal Health Coverage.
12 August 2026 · Informanté →
The government clinic at Aus in the ||Kharas region lacks diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma medications in stock and has no dedicated ambulance for emergency patients. A resident reports having to forgo medication due to cost when prescriptions cannot be filled at the clinic pharmacy.
12 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is investigating an alleged assault involving a nurse at Outjo State Hospital over the weekend, after a patient's father questioned why the queue was moving slowly. A video circulating on social media shows nurse Molelie Geiseb in a heated argument with the father, Dankeni Tjilongo, who said he had waited more than six hours for service.
11 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and the University of Namibia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the link between health training and practice, ensuring health professionals are prepared for practical work in hospitals, clinics and communities, and to promote home-grown research and innovation.
11 August 2026 · Informanté →
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services Hambelela Ndjaleka reported that less than half of Namibian infants are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of life, citing the 2024 SMART Nutrition Survey which found only 49 percent of children aged 0–5 months are exclusively breastfed. Ndjaleka called for stronger workplace, community, and health facility support for mothers, including implementation of "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" in maternity wards and provision of robust maternity leave and breastfeeding facilities by both public and private sectors.
9 August 2026 · Informanté →
During World Breastfeeding Week 2026, Namibia's Deputy Minister of Health called for expanded counselling services, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and shared responsibility among families, communities, employers and government to support mothers. Breastfeeding should be exclusive for the first six months and continue alongside complementary foods thereafter.
9 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has received and distributed 58 critically needed medical products since 16 July, comprising 46 medicine line items and 12 clinical supply items. The deliveries include cancer medicines, antihypertensive medication, skin treatments, eye drops, and colostomy supplies to support healthcare services across public health facilities.
5 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia Employers' Federation supports reasonable measures enabling mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, but has cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach, noting that employers operate under vastly different circumstances in size, resources, and operating conditions.
5 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it has received and distributed 58 critically needed pharmaceutical and clinical supply items since July, comprising 46 medicine line items and 12 clinical supply items. The deliveries include cancer medicines, blood pressure and diabetes medications, tuberculosis and malaria treatments, mental health medicines, and clinical supplies such as colostomy items.
5 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A social media video showing a man carrying what appears to be a deceased baboon near Windhoek's Western Bypass Road has sparked debate over possible health risks and ethnic food practices, with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and Division of Veterinary Services yet to comment on the matter.
5 August 2026 · Informanté →
The 2024 SMART Nutrition Survey found that 49% of children aged zero to five months in Namibia are exclusively breastfed. Deputy health minister Susan Ndjaleka warned that early weaning exposes babies to malnutrition and disease, and called for workplace policy changes including maternity leave and breastfeeding facilities.
5 August 2026 · New Era →
The Cancer Association of Namibia is using National Cancer Awareness Week (3–7 August) to promote HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening, warning that the disease is the second most common cancer among Namibian women despite being largely preventable. Namibia records about 453 new cervical cancer cases annually, with an age-standardised incidence rate of 37.2 per 100,000 women.
5 August 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's Health Ministry has announced a nationwide rollout of the "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" across health facilities after a 2024 survey found that only 49% of infants aged zero to five months are exclusively breastfed and early weaning onto inadequate foods is driving malnutrition and childhood illness.
4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →