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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The Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services had approved N$1-billion emergency procurement of pharmaceutical products
“In a letter dated 8 June, health ministry bosses approved the N$1-billion emergency procurement of pharmaceutical products, saying stock levels at the Central Medical Stores have reached zero for some products.”
Urgent N$1b health tender blockedThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services has received some medicine deliveries and expects more in coming weeks
“Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walters Kamaya yesterday said although there are shortages of certain medications, the ministry has received some medicine deliveries and is expecting more in the coming weeks.”
Medicine shortage hits mental health patientsThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services released notice confirming the product's safety
“notice confirming the product's safety was only released yesterday by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.”
Fabupharm paracetamol syrupclearedInformanté
Ministry of Health and Social Services have reported an increase in unlicensed outlets stocking medicines
“Police and the Ministry of Health and Social Services have reported an increase in unlicensed outlets stocking antibiotics, painkillers, cough syrups and baby formula suspected to be diverted from state hospitals and clinics.”
Otjiwarongo tuckshop owner charged for illegal sale of medicines as police crack down on illicit drug tradeInformanté
Ministry of Health and Social Services received and distributed 47 major line items of critically needed products (27 medicine and 20 clinical supply items)
“Since the last update on 4 June 2026, a total of 47 major line items of critically needed products have been received and distributed to public health facilities.”
Health Ministry receives 47 critical medicine lines, more cancer drugs en routeInformanté
Ministry of Health and Social Services observed Men's Health Awareness Month by hosting a mental health awareness session for male staff members
“THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has observed Men's Health Awareness Month this June by hosting a mental health awareness session for male staff members, aimed at promoting emotional well-being and encouraging open discussions on mental health.”
Health Ministry marks Men’s Health Awareness Month with mental health session for staffInformanté
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental wellness and creating supportive environments
“It further reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental wellness and creating supportive environments where individuals can access help without stigma.”
Health Ministry marks Men’s Health Awareness Month with mental health session for staffThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services acknowledges outstanding overtime claims from 2025/26 financial year
“These complaints come as the Ministry of Health and Social Services acknowledges outstanding overtime claims from the 2025/26 financial year, but says the payments are awaiting the treasury's approval.”
Gobabis nurses battling overtime paymentNew Era
Ministry of Health and Social Services has received first batch of medical equipment procured directly from manufacturers
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services has received the first batch of medical equipment procured directly from manufacturers.”
Ministry cuts middlemen, buys from manufacturersNew Era
The ministry has received and distributed 37 critically needed medicines to public health facilities nationwide
“So far, the ministry has received and distributed 37 critically needed medicines to public health facilities nationwide.”
Ministry cuts middlemen, buys from manufacturersThe 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 →