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.
The Minister of Health and Social Services has officially appointed new members to the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council, tasking them with regulating medicines and related substances to ensure products reaching the public are safe, effective, and of high quality. The minister warned against attempts to compromise the Council's integrity through corruption or favouritism.
14 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Minister of Health and Social Services has officially appointed new members to the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council, tasking them with regulating medicines and related substances to ensure products reaching the public are safe, effective, and of high quality. The minister warned against attempts to compromise the Council's integrity through corruption or favouritism.
14 March 2026 · Informanté →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed senior government officials to move to public healthcare facilities from 1 April as part of a five-year development plan to upgrade public hospitals and clinics. The phased transition aims to secure high-level support for healthcare reforms, though civil servants have raised concerns about public facility overcrowding, staff shortages, and medication supply issues.
24 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The health ministry says community members in Namibia are increasingly choosing mosquito nets over indoor residual spraying (IRS) due to myths and misunderstandings about effectiveness, but officials stress IRS remains critical for malaria prevention. The resistance comes as Namibia faces a significant malaria outbreak, with 8,760 confirmed cases recorded in January 2026—a 68% increase year-on-year—affecting 20 health districts and resulting in 11 deaths.
19 February 2026 · New Era →
A 21-year-old Otjiwarongo resident died at the State hospital after his mother claims nurses failed to provide timely emergency care when he arrived gasping for air. The Ministry of Health has launched an investigation into alleged medical negligence and procedural failures, while community members have protested demanding better healthcare and hospital administration.
18 February 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched an investigation into the death of 21-year-old Elijah Laurenzo Areseb at Otjiwarongo District Hospital on 5 February 2026, following allegations of medical negligence and a community demonstration. The ministry said it takes such allegations seriously and will take appropriate disciplinary action if evidence of negligence or deviation from clinical protocols is found.
18 February 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has denied reports that the High Court granted a default judgement for N$14 million against the health minister, claiming the civil claim from an Angolan national was not properly served on the government. The plaintiff had sued for alleged medical negligence, claiming he was prescribed antiretroviral and tuberculosis medication for three years despite not needing it, but the ministry argues the judgment is therefore invalid.
8 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) reported N$183 billion in assets and a 10.6% investment return for the 2024/2025 financial year, serving 105,593 active members and 53,504 pensioners. The fund achieved a solvency ratio of 119.69% and distributed N$6.8 billion in benefits to members and dependents.
8 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Government Institutions Pension Fund has grown assets under management to N$183 billion in 2025, up from N$167 billion the previous year, delivering a real return of 6.4% and net investment income of N$17 billion. The Fund's board chair attributed the growth to sound governance and prudent investment management, and noted the fund has channelled over N$7.78 billion into Namibia's real economy over 13 years.
6 February 2026 · New Era →
The Government Institutions Pension Fund held its first Board of Trustees Member Engagement Forum in Ongwediva, bringing together over 200 members to discuss fund matters. The board highlighted recent member-centric reforms including the pension-backed home loans scheme, launched in January, which allows members to access loans secured against one-third of their pension benefit using N$900 million allocated to the scheme.
6 February 2026 · The Namibian →
A polio vaccination campaign in Omusati's border post clinics has vaccinated 532 children so far, with the first phase ongoing until Thursday and a second phase scheduled for 24–27 February. The Ministry of Health urges parents nationwide to bring children under ten for vaccination to ensure no child is missed.
29 January 2026 · The Namibian →