Also known as: Dr Richard Banda · Dr. Richard Banda · WHO Country Representative Dr Richard Banda
WHO country representative who advocates for safer road infrastructure and pedestrian/cyclist safety in Namibia.
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The Namibian
Richard Banda says noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer are becoming more common
“Banda says noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer are becoming more common.”
Namibia urged to strengthen child health as preventable deaths continue, says UnicefThe Namibian
Richard Banda says there is no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission
“"There is no evidence at this stage of increased human-to-human transmission, and India has demonstrated the capacity to contain such outbreaks based on previous experience," Banda says.”
Low risk of deadly Nipah virus spreading to NamibiaThe Namibian
WHO country representative Richard Banda said IRS is a powerful intervention which can rapidly reduce malaria transmissions
“World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Richard Banda said IRS is a powerful intervention which can rapidly lead to a reduction in malaria transmissions.”
Namibia records 12 286 malaria cases, 28 deaths this yearNamibia's Deputy Health Minister said some children were missed during polio outbreak response vaccination campaigns, despite achieving more than 90 percent coverage nationwide. The ministry is reviewing vaccination coverage, microplanning, team deployment, vaccine logistics, and other aspects of the campaign to ensure comprehensive protection against poliovirus transmission.
22 hours ago · The Namibian →
Namibia's Deputy Health Minister said some children were missed during polio outbreak response vaccination campaigns, despite achieving more than 90 percent coverage nationwide. The ministry is reviewing vaccination coverage, microplanning, team deployment, vaccine logistics, and other aspects of the campaign to ensure comprehensive protection against poliovirus transmission.
22 hours ago · The Namibian →
Namibia has successfully interrupted transmission of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 following a nationwide vaccination campaign that reached more than 90% of targeted children, with no virus detected since 4 March 2026. The response was supported by more than N$76.5 million in financial aid from the WHO.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Health announced that Namibia has successfully interrupted transmission of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 following a nationwide vaccination campaign that reached more than 90% of targeted children and received more than N$76.5 million in WHO support. No circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus has been detected since 4 March 2026.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A 2024 national survey found that 23% of Namibian students aged 13 to 17 currently use vaping products, with boys reporting nearly 30% e-cigarette use. The WHO Country Representative warned that nicotine addiction among teenagers is deliberately engineered by the tobacco and vape industry through targeted marketing tactics.
11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A report launched during UN Global Road Safety Week found that more than 70% of daily travel among low-income households in Namibia depends on walking and cycling, but major gaps exist in infrastructure, funding and policies supporting pedestrians and cyclists. Namibia recorded more than 1,000 motor vehicle crashes during the first four months of 2026, resulting in 179 deaths and over 1,700 injuries.
18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
World Health Organization country representative Dr Richard Banda called for urgent investment in safer walking and cycling infrastructure, stating that road crashes continue to claim lives and leave many with permanent injuries in Namibia and across Africa. He said pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users due to poor infrastructure and unsafe conditions, and called for stronger law enforcement, lower speed limits in pedestrian areas, and improved emergency response systems.
15 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia marked World Malaria Day 2026 by reaffirming its commitment to fight malaria, particularly in northern regions where cases are rising. Health Minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao stressed that malaria is preventable and treatable, calling for stronger prevention and early detection efforts supported by coordination with the Africa CDC, WHO, and regional partners.
30 April 2026 · Informanté →
Unicef's country representative warned during World Health Day that thousands of Namibian newborns continue to die in their first days of life and children under five remain vulnerable to preventable diseases including malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea. While Namibia has made progress in maternal and child health, officials stressed the need for preventive interventions and science-backed responses to emerging threats.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Following two confirmed cases of the rare but highly deadly Nipah virus in India, WHO says the risk of spread to Namibia or southern Africa remains low, with nearly 200 close contacts tested and all negative results. The virus, which has a fatality rate of 40–75% and no approved vaccine, requires close contact for human-to-human transmission, and authorities are monitoring the situation while WHO recommends no travel or trade restrictions.
1 February 2026 · The Namibian →