Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Person

Penda Ithindi

Also known as: Ithindi · executive director · Executive director of health and social services Penda Ithindi · Executive director in the health ministry

Penda Ithindi — Executive director of Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services overseeing pharmaceutical investigations.

Society

Health ministry cancels N$194m medical stores construction tender

The News

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.

22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 22 April

  1. Health ministry cancels N$194m medical stores construction tender

    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.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Japan, UN fund health projects targeting emergency preparedness

    Japan, the UN, and global partners have launched major investments to strengthen Namibia's health system, including three key projects focused on emergency preparedness, disease prevention, and diagnostic capacity. The initiatives, valued at approximately N$18.4 million, will benefit more than 118,000 people across eight hospitals and vulnerable regions including Kunene, Omusati, and Otjozondjupa.

    22 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 21 April

  1. Health ministry under multiple corruption investigations by ACC

    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.

    21 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Condom shortage reported across Namibian public health facilities

    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.

    21 April 2026 · New Era →

Monday 20 April

  1. Health ministry investigates fraud in pharmaceutical supply chain

    The Namibian health ministry has launched an investigation into alleged fraud and theft within its pharmaceutical supply chain, including stock data manipulation and diversion of medicines. Executive director Penda Ithindi said implicated Central Medical Stores staff have been reassigned pending investigation, with criminal proceedings possible if guilt is established.

    20 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 19 April

  1. Japan provides N$18.4 million aid for Namibia's health systems

    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.

    19 April 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 17 April

  1. Health ministry investigates alleged pharmaceutical fraud by staff

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched an investigation into suspected fraudulent activities within the pharmaceutical supply chain, allegedly involving ministry staff at the Central Medical Stores who may have manipulated stock data, stolen supplies, and created artificial shortages. The implicated staff have been reassigned pending investigation, and the ministry says those found guilty will face disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

    17 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Namibian man living with 18-year gunshot wound seeks closure

    Maata Valombola, shot in the abdomen in 2007, claims a doctor at Katutura Intermediate Hospital operated on him while intoxicated, leaving a permanent open wound that has severely affected his mobility and quality of life. The Ministry of Health and Social Services rejected claims of medical negligence after an investigation by the Health Professions Council of Namibia found no evidence of unprofessional conduct.

    2 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 30 March

  1. Namibia records over 10,000 malaria cases in 2026

    Namibia has recorded a steady increase in malaria cases across several regions, with Zambezi region reporting 10,330 confirmed cases from January to date and nine deaths so far this year. Health authorities attribute the rise to seasonal factors including floodwater and community resistance to indoor residual spraying, while some communities cite a lack of mosquito nets and pregnant women at one maternity facility report inadequate protection from mosquito infestation.

    30 March 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 14 March

  1. Health ministry clarifies Vision April 2026 directive scope

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has clarified that Phase 1 of "Vision April 2026", beginning 1 April 2026, applies only to 294 senior government officials and not to teachers, nurses, police, or general civil servants. The directive aims to strengthen public healthcare, with designated facilities across the country prepared through infrastructure upgrades and equipment procurement worth N$239 million.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

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