Monday, 7 September 2026

Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Monday, 7 September 2026

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Namibian press · Person

Penda Ithindi

Also known as: Executive director of health and social services Penda Ithindi

2026-01-162026-09-07

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

January 2026
25 JanInformanté
Penda Ithindi called upon parents, guardians, caregivers, community leaders, and partners to support nationwide polio vaccination campaign
Source
“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.”
Health ministry announces nationwide polio vaccination drive following virus detection in Kavango East
24 JanThe Namibian
Penda Ithindi says every dose administered is critical to maintaining Namibia's polio-free status
Source
“Health executive director Penda Ithindi says, "every dose administered is critical to maintaining Namibia's polio-free status".”
Polio vaccination campaign starts next week
24 JanThe Namibian
Ithindi urges parents 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.”
Polio vaccination campaign starts next week
21 JanNew Era
Penda Ithindi said ministry is managing second cholera outbreak in Namibia
Source
“Adolf Kaure Health executive director Penda Ithindi said the ministry is still managing the second outbreak of cholera in Namibia.”
32 cholera cases confirmed, no deaths
21 JanNew Era
Penda Ithindi reported 32 confirmed cholera cases, zero fatalities as of 12 January 2026
Source
“"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.”
32 cholera cases confirmed, no deaths
16 JanInformanté
Penda Ithindi stated no 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.”
99 suspected cholera cases reported in Grootfontein

World & Region

Namibia, US race to finalise HIV funding negotiations

The News

Namibia and the US are negotiating new health sector funding to determine the future of HIV financing in the country, with negotiations intensifying since US President Donald Trump's return to power and the dismantling of USAID. The talks are contentious over data-sharing provisions, with recipient countries concerned that deals tie health aid to data access and critical minerals, though a US government source claims negotiations do not include sharing of personally identifiable data.

30 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 30 August

Namibia, US race to finalise HIV funding negotiations
Namibia and the US are negotiating new health sector funding to determine the future of HIV financing in the country, with negotiations intensifying since US President Donald Trump's return to power and the dismantling of USAID. The talks are contentious over data-sharing provisions, with recipient countries concerned that deals tie health aid to data access and critical minerals, though a US government source claims negotiations do not include sharing of personally identifiable data.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 14 August

Two medicines quarantined or recalled in Namibia
The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council quarantined two batches of Azithromycin Oral Suspension after complaints it failed to dissolve properly and contained lumps, while Cospharm Investments issued a voluntary recall of VCS Flumed Syrup after crystals were found in units.
14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 5 August

Health ministry receives 58 medical products since mid-July
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 →
Health ministry receives 58 medicine and clinical supply items
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 →

Thursday 23 July

Government seeks condonation for late plea in corpse mishandling case
The Namibian government has asked the High Court to condone its late filing of a plea in a lawsuit brought by Swakopmund resident Joel Tjombe over the alleged mishandling and decomposition of his mother's body at Okahandja State Hospital. The government attributes the delay to administrative issues involving conflict of interest between two ministries cited as defendants.
23 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 21 July

Rape-accused doctor Dennis Noa seeks bail to resume work
Medical doctor Dennis Noa, arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 26-year-old man at a public hospital premises, asked the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court to grant him bail so he can return to his duties. The state opposed bail, citing rape as a serious offence and arguing that release could risk witness interference, further offences, or absconding.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Health ministry investigates intern doctor on rape charge
An intern doctor at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has been remanded in custody on a rape charge after appearing in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court. The alleged incident occurred when the doctor invited a 26-year-old man to celebrate his new job, and the complainant alleges he was sexually assaulted after consuming a drink that appeared to contain a dissolved pill.
21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Health ministry investigates intern doctor over rape allegation
An intern doctor at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has been remanded in custody on a rape charge after appearing in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court; the ministry of health and social services has launched an internal administrative investigation. The alleged incident occurred when the doctor invited a 26-year-old to the hospital, where the complainant alleges he was drugged and sexually assaulted.
21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 20 July

Health ministry investigates alleged rape at Onandjokwe Hospital
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has initiated administrative investigations into an alleged rape incident on 19 July 2026 at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, following the arrest of medical intern Dennis Noa (31), who was denied bail in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court. Noa was previously acquitted of a similar rape charge at Katutura Intermediate Hospital in 2021.
20 July 2026 · Informanté →
Ministry investigates doctor accused of rape at hospital
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched an administrative investigation into medical intern Dennis Noa, who was arrested in connection with an alleged rape at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital. The ministry said it has activated internal disciplinary processes alongside police investigation and condemned sexual violence.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 10 July

Namibia-China friendship marks 35 years with healthcare focus
The Chinese Embassy says healthcare is a major pillar of Namibia-China cooperation, with Chinese medical teams providing free traditional Chinese medicine services at Katutura State Hospital since 1996; the 15th team treated more than 19,000 patients over 18 months, and the 16th team arrived in 2024 to continue the programme.
10 July 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 6 July

State lawyers accused of mishandling medical claims, losing millions
Government lawyers are accused of mishandling health-related legal cases and potentially sharing settlement payouts with senior ministry officials and claimants' lawyers. Between 2019 and 2024, the health ministry spent N$14.7m on medical claims, with about N$5.5m spent over the past year, amid delays in a nationwide medico-legal training programme.
6 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 28 June

Health ministry procurement committee blocks N$1b emergency tender
The Ministry of Health and Social Services' procurement committee has blocked senior officials' proposal to bypass public tender procedures for a N$1-billion medicine purchase, citing concerns that emergency procurement could be abused. The tender was meant to address medicine shortages at public hospitals and clinics.
28 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 23 June

GIPF commits N$800 million to Oryx Property retail expansion
The Government Institutions Pension Fund has committed N$800 million towards a new unlisted commercial property investment vehicle managed by Oryx Property Limited to finance retail and mall-type properties across Namibia. The investment follows Oryx Property's development of Goreangab Mall in Windhoek, and GIPF holds a 29.46% shareholding in Oryx Properties.
23 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 20 June

Ministry of Health receives 47 critical medicine lines
The Ministry of Health and Social Services received 47 major line items of critically needed products between 4 and 17 June, comprising 27 medicine line items and 20 clinical supply items. The deliveries included anti-cancer medicines, with additional essential medicine deliveries expected in the coming weeks.
20 June 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 17 June

President orders NCIS to vet 360 health ministry officials
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has ordered the Namibia Central Intelligence Service to conduct background checks on about 360 health ministry officials, mostly from the pharmaceutical services directorate at the Central Medical Stores, following allegations of fraud and corruption involving government employees and tenderpreneurs rigging medical tenders and manipulating orders worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 15 June

Health Ministry cancels N$44.8 million pharmaceutical orders
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has cancelled pharmaceutical and clinical product orders worth N$44.8 million extended to 12 companies after suppliers failed to deliver medicines to the Central Medical Stores, including treatments for mental illness, cancer, and chronic conditions.
15 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 13 June

PM urges GIPF to invest more funds domestically
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on the Government Institutions Pension Fund to invest more of its funds in Namibia to protect its reputation, citing past investment losses outside the country that have damaged public confidence. The GIPF reported an impairment loss of N$815 million from a South African investment in November and faced earlier concerns about untraceable losses exceeding N$600 million.
13 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 12 June

Cabinet approves health agreements with Egypt and Africa CDC
Cabinet has endorsed an agreement between Namibia and Egypt on pharmaceutical products and medical devices, and approved another agreement with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for procurement services. The approvals come as the country faces shortages of essential medicines in public health facilities.
12 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 5 June

Health ministry denies aligning public tariffs with private healthcare rates
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.
5 June 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 1 June

Health ministry removes registrar of medicines, appoints successor
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.
1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 26 May

Ministry considers private oncology contract for cancer patients
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.
26 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 23 May

Namibia reports no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases
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.
23 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 21 May

President expresses concern over medicine shortages at public hospitals
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.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Medicine shortages in public hospitals pressing presidential concern
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said medicine shortages in public hospitals are a major burden on her administration, after the Ministry of Health and Social Services revealed national pharmaceutical stock levels are at 60%, below the government's 80% minimum target.
21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 20 May

Doctors challenge health minister's claim on medicine stock improvement
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.
20 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia strengthens medicine safety systems through African cooperation
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.
20 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 10 May

Namibia monitoring global hantavirus outbreak, no local cases recorded
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.
10 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 9 May

Namibia has not recorded any Hantavirus cases, ministry confirms
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.
9 May 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 8 May

Namibia has no Hantavirus cases, monitoring outbreak
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.
8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →