Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
February 2026
The Namibian
Ithindisayspension-backed home loans scheme is most visible example of member-centric reform
Source
“Ithindi says the pension-backed home loans scheme (PBHLS), which commenced on 12 January, is the most visible example of member-centric reform initiated by the board.”
Ministry of Health and Social Services executive director Penda Ithindiurged parents across the country to bring their children forvaccination
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“Ministry of Health and Social Services executive director Penda Ithindi earlier this week urged parents across the country to bring their children for vaccination.”
Penda Ithindiurgedparents and stakeholders to support campaign
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“Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Penda Ithindi, urged parents and all stakeholders to actively support the campaign to ensure that children receive both doses and Namibia remains polio-free.”
Penda Ithindicalled uponparents, guardians, caregivers, community leaders, and partners to support nationwide polio vaccination campaign
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“Ithindi called upon parents, guardians, caregivers, community leaders, and all partners to actively support the nationwide polio vaccination campaign to ensure that no child is missed.”
Ithindiurgesparents and caregivers to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure children receive the vaccine in both rounds
Source
“Ithindi urges parents and caregivers to cooperate with vaccination teams and to ensure children receive the vaccine in both rounds, including those already vaccinated during routine immunisation.”
Penda Ithindireported32 confirmed cholera cases, zero fatalities as of 12 January 2026
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“"Regarding the status of this current outbreak in Grootfontein, as of 12 January 2026, we have recorded 99 suspected cases. Of these, 32 are confirmed cholera cases. The good news is that we have recorded zero fatalities," he said.”
Penda Ithindistatedno fatalities have been reported in relation to cholera
Source
“Penda Ithindi, the Executive Director within the Ministry of Health and Social Services, however, stated that no fatalities have been reported in relation to the deadly acute diarrheal infection, which is caused by consuming water or food that contains the bacteria.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has denied claims that it increased public healthcare tariffs to match those of the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds, clarifying that the Ministry of Finance—not the health ministry—has authority over Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme tariff changes. The ministry noted that tariff structures have not been comprehensively reviewed in 11 years despite significant changes in healthcare costs.
Why it matters
The health ministry's clarification on tariff authority cuts through public confusion about rising healthcare costs and reveals a decade-long gap in cost reviews.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has denied claims that it increased public healthcare tariffs to match those of the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds, clarifying that the Ministry of Finance—not the health ministry—has authority over Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme tariff changes. The ministry noted that tariff structures have not been comprehensively reviewed in 11 years despite significant changes in healthcare costs.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has removed Fransina Nambahu as registrar of medicines at the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council and appointed Frieda Shiweda to the position effective 1 June 2026. Sources told the Windhoek Observer that Nambahu was removed after refusing to approve substandard medicines, contradicting the ministry's stated reason of structural review.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is considering a proposal to refer state cancer patients from the northern regions to the Namibian Oncology Centre for chemotherapy and radiation treatment at state cost, under a proposed contractual agreement. The proposal aims to ease pressure on patients who currently travel long distances to Windhoek, though it has sparked internal debate about outsourcing care while government facilities face funding shortages.
Namibia's health ministry confirmed there are no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases in the country, despite an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain spreading to major urban centres in the DRC and Uganda. The ministry has implemented heightened surveillance at all points of entry and is providing refresher training to frontline health workers.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says reports of medicine shortages at public hospitals are giving her "sleepless nights," speaking during a tour of pharmaceutical manufacturer Fabupharm. Medical doctors say shortages of essential medicine persist despite government reports showing national stock levels at about 60%, with patients being turned away at several hospitals.
Medical specialists at public hospitals dispute health minister Esperance Luvindao's assertion that pharmaceutical stock levels have improved to 60%, saying critical shortages of essential medications continue to affect patient care across departments.
Namibia is strengthening its medicine safety systems as African countries push for closer regulatory cooperation through the African Medicines Agency to address concerns over counterfeit medicines and weak reporting systems for medicine side effects. The Ministry of Health and Social Services says stronger cooperation between African regulators would help countries respond faster to harmful medicines, improve monitoring of side effects and reduce dependence on foreign regulatory systems.
Namibia has not recorded any hantavirus cases, but health authorities are closely monitoring the global and regional situation and urging the public to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms, especially after rodent exposure or travel to affected regions. As of 6 May, eight cases including three deaths have been reported globally, five confirmed as the Andes strain, the only hantavirus strain known to allow limited human-to-human transmission.
The Ministry of Health's Executive Director confirmed that Namibia has not reported any Hantavirus cases, though the ministry is monitoring the global and regional situation. The statement follows reports of a Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that travelled from Argentina to Cabo Verde, with five confirmed cases and three suspected as of 6 May 2026.
Namibia has not recorded any cases of Hantavirus despite a recent outbreak on a cruise ship in the South Atlantic that has resulted in eight reported cases, including three deaths. The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it is closely monitoring the global and regional situation and has put precautionary measures in place.
The Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services has criticised the nine-year drafting process of the Food Safety Bill and urged its expedited review to ensure inclusion on Parliament's legislative calendar this financial year. The Ministry is engaging a consultant to refine the Bill in line with current realities and best practices.
The Government Institutions Pension Fund paid its board of trustees chairperson Penda Ithindi N$114,000 for attending three meetings in two months, and Napwu general secretary Petrus Nevonga N$92,163 during the same period, according to payroll records reviewed by The Namibian. The payments have revived concerns that clustered board and sub-committee meetings have become a parallel income stream for trustees already drawing civil service or union salaries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.