Wednesday, 21 October 2026

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Wednesday, 21 October 2026

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Namibian press · Person

Walters Kamaya

2025-01-092026-10-21

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Walters Kamaya

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

What’s been said

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

October 2026
13 OctThe Namibian
Walters Kamaya said the matter is being managed internally
Source
“Spokesperson Walters Kamaya yesterday said: "The matter is being managed internally."”
Windhoek Central Hospital cardiologist resigns amid bullying probe
7 OctThe Namibian
Walters Kamaya encourages parents and caregivers to ensure girls aged nine to 14 years receive HPV vaccine
Source
“Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walters Kamaya encourages parents and caregivers to ensure girls aged nine to14 years receive the HPV vaccine.”
Boys should get HPV jab too
September 2026
23 SeptThe Namibian
Health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya told The Namibian ministry got involved after council requested help
Source
“Yesterday, health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya told The Namibian the ministry get involved after the council asked for help following complaints from residents.”
Karibib under mosquito siege
18 SeptWindhoek Observer
Walters Kamaya said government remains committed to sustaining HIV prevention, treatment and care
Source
“The ministry's spokesperson, Walters Kamaya said the government remains committed to sustaining HIV prevention, treatment and care.”
US HIV funding exit puts Namibia’s broader response under pressure
14 SeptThe Namibian
Walters Kamaya says based on delivery notes the hospital should not be experiencing any shortages
Source
“Walters Kamaya, the spokesperson of the ministry says based on the delivery notes of oxygen, the hospital should not be experiencing any shortages.”
Mariental hospital without oxygen for months
10 SeptThe Namibian
Walters Kamaya said that an investigation would be launched following the formal complaint
Source
“Health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya said he had been informed that Ekandjo's family has launched a formal complaint.”
Family accuses hospital of negligence after mother, newborn die
8 SeptThe Namibian
Ministry of health spokesperson Walters Kamaya referred The Namibian to the Omaheke regional health director
Source
“Ministry of health spokesperson Walters Kamaya referred The Namibian to the Omaheke regional health director Jeremia Shikulo, who did not respond to calls and texts sent to him.”
Witvlei clinic receives 15 malnourished babies daily
8 SeptThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walters Kamaya was not available for comment
Source
“Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walters Kamaya was, however, not available for comment yesterday.”
Namibia warned not to wait for El Niño ‘crisis’
7 SeptThe Namibian
Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya said counselling was provided to the mother and grandfather the day after birth
Source
“Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya said counselling was provided to the baby's mother and maternal grandfather the day after the baby's birth and that her clinical condition, including the head wound, was part of the diagnosis discussed during the session.”
Rundu baby dies after being cut during delivery
August 2026
30 AugThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walters Kamaya said Cheto Clinic has a 4×4 vehicle which was not available due to some issues
Source
“Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walters Kamaya last week said Cheto Clinic has a 4×4 vehicle, which was at some stage not available due to some issues.”
‘We die while waiting for an ambulance’

Society

Windhoek Central Hospital cardiologist resigns amid bullying investigation

The News

Paediatric cardiologist Dr Fenny Shidhika has resigned from the Ministry of Health and Social Services following a ministerial investigation into alleged bullying at the hospital's cardiac unit. A ministerial investigation found that at least 10 medical officers have left the cardiac unit since 2019, with some accusing Shidhika of bullying, verbal abuse, and poor working conditions.

13 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 13 October

Windhoek Central Hospital cardiologist resigns amid bullying investigation
Paediatric cardiologist Dr Fenny Shidhika has resigned from the Ministry of Health and Social Services following a ministerial investigation into alleged bullying at the hospital's cardiac unit. A ministerial investigation found that at least 10 medical officers have left the cardiac unit since 2019, with some accusing Shidhika of bullying, verbal abuse, and poor working conditions.
13 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 7 October

Boys should receive HPV vaccine to prevent transmission and disease
An expert says boys should also receive the human papillomavirus vaccine, as they can acquire and transmit the virus and develop HPV-related diseases including penile cancer and genital warts. HPV is commonly transmitted through sexual contact and direct skin-to-skin contact, and vaccination is presented as important prevention.
7 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 23 September

Karibib residents struggle with severe mosquito infestation
Karibib residents face a severe mosquito infestation driven by leaking sewage pipes that has intensified over the past five months, making daily activities difficult. Town council and health authorities are implementing urgent intervention measures to address the problem.
23 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 18 September

US HIV funding phases out, putting Namibia's response under strain
The United States is phasing out direct financial support for Namibia's HIV response, shifting to technical cooperation after 2027, while the government already funds 100% of antiretroviral medicines. Health experts warn that sustaining gains will require more than ARV availability, as US assistance has also covered testing, counselling, and community programmes.
18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 14 September

Mariental District Hospital lacks oxygen for three to four months
Mariental District Hospital in Hardap region has experienced intermittent oxygen shortages for three to four months. The Ministry of Health and Social Services says delivery records show the hospital received oxygen deliveries but attributes the shortage to a main cylinder breakdown and possible leakages, and has announced an investigation.
14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 10 September

Family alleges negligence in hospital deaths of mother and newborn
The family of a 39-year-old woman from Etope village in Ohangwena has accused medical staff at Eenhana District Hospital of negligence after the woman and her newborn died on 30 August 2026 during labour. The family alleges doctors and nurses failed to provide necessary care during delivery, including prescribing seven doses of labour-inducing medication and telling the woman not to push, and has called on the health minister to investigate.
10 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 8 September

Witvlei Clinic treats 10 to 15 malnourished babies daily
About 10 to 15 babies are treated for malnutrition daily at the Witvlei Clinic in Omaheke, with poverty and lack of stable household income leaving families unable to provide adequate food.
8 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Meteorologist urges Namibia to prepare now for El Niño health impacts
An independent meteorologist has warned Namibia's authorities not to delay strengthening health-sector preparedness as El Niño conditions are expected to strengthen from October, potentially bringing drought, extreme temperatures, and water and food insecurity. The Namibia Meteorological Service forecasts rainfall deficits and temperature rises of up to 3°C in some areas between January and March, though the meteorologist cautioned against assuming El Niño will automatically cause severe drought across the country.
8 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 7 September

Rundu family plans lawsuit after baby's death at hospital
A two-week-old premature baby girl died at Rundu Intermediate Hospital after allegedly being cut on the head during delivery on 14 August; the family plans to sue for compensation, though the Ministry of Health and Social Services attributes the death to prematurity complications and other conditions.
7 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 30 August

San community reports deaths from delayed ambulance response
The San community in Bwabwata National Park, Zambezi region, says family members die while waiting for ambulances during medical emergencies. After three men were hit by a vehicle in August, one 90-year-old pensioner died while waiting five hours for an ambulance to arrive from Katima Mulilo, located 170–202 km away.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 23 August

Diabetes patients struggle to access medicines amid weight-loss demand
Diabetes patients in Namibia are finding it harder to obtain some medicines as shortages occur and more people use diabetes drugs for weight loss. The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council recently warned of an increase in unauthorised GLP-1 and peptide medicines being sold on social media for weight loss.
23 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 20 August

Nine patients discharged after spilled vodka drinks incident
Nine patients, including seven minors, were admitted to Otavi Health Centre on 18 August 2026 after consuming vodka energy drinks that spilled from an overturned truck. All have been discharged in stable condition with no further referrals, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
20 August 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 19 August

No further Covid-19 cases reported at Delta hostel
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp said no further Covid-19 cases have been reported at Delta Primary School hostel in Windhoek following a positive case involving a hostel caretaker, who is recovering well. The ministry has followed its standard operating procedures, including separation of children and disinfection of premises, with pupils expected to remain away until 7 September.
19 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 16 August

Cleaners at Kavango West health centre assigned construction work unpaid
Cleaners at Tondoro Health Centre in Kavango West have been assigned to construct an administrative building while continuing their normal duties, with no agreement on additional payment. The Ministry of Health and Social Services confirmed staff were asked to assist with construction due to lack of funds to hire a contractor.
16 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 11 August

Ministry investigates nurse assault allegation at Outjo hospital
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is investigating an alleged assault involving a nurse at Outjo State Hospital over the weekend, after a patient's father questioned why the queue was moving slowly. A video circulating on social media shows nurse Molelie Geiseb in a heated argument with the father, Dankeni Tjilongo, who said he had waited more than six hours for service.
11 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 31 July

Youth embrace Mayeyi heritage ahead of Batsara festival
Young Mayeyi people say the annual Batsara Cultural Festival, set for 2 August in Sangwali, provides an opportunity to reconnect with ancestral traditions, preserve their language, and celebrate an identity they fear could be weakened by changing lifestyles. Participants say the festival has evolved into a platform where younger generations can embrace their roots while giving their traditions a modern voice.
31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 30 July

Health Ministry fails to pay medical students' fees in Zambia
About six Namibian medical students studying in Zambia on Ministry of Health and Social Services scholarships report that their tuition fees, accommodation, and monthly allowances have not been paid consistently over the past two years, leaving them in financial distress and struggling to complete their training.
30 July 2026 · New Era →
Namibian medical students in Zambia say scholarships unpaid
Namibian medical students at Lusaka Apex Medical University report the Ministry of Health and Social Services has left them stranded with nearly two years of unpaid tuition fees and erratic living allowances, forcing them to seek financial clearance before exams and clinical rotations.
30 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 21 July

Medicine shortage at Rundu Hospital part of nationwide crisis
The Ministry of Health and Social Services says a critical shortage of medicines at Rundu State Hospital and clinics is not isolated but a countrywide issue, with patients leaving without medications and those with chronic conditions at particular risk. The ministry says it is addressing the shortage and has committed to providing monthly updates on pharmaceutical stock levels at government Central Medical Stores.
21 July 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 20 July

Doctor arrested in second rape investigation within five years
A 31-year-old doctor at Onandjokwe Hospital was arrested over the weekend on allegations of raping a 26-year-old man at his room. The arrest comes three years after the Windhoek High Court acquitted the doctor of a separate rape charge involving an 18-year-old patient at Katutura Intermediate Hospital.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 16 July

Boy's arm amputated after tight cast at Otjiwarongo Hospital
A mother has alleged that her six-year-old son's arm was amputated at Windhoek hospital following complications from a cast applied at Otjiwarongo State Hospital in April 2026. She claims the cast was applied too tightly, causing nerve damage and turning the child's arm blue, and says the hospital has not explained what led to the amputation.
16 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 →

Thursday 25 June

Mental health patients lack medication at state hospitals
Mental health patients at Oshakati, Engela and Okahandja state hospitals are without medication due to shortages, raising concerns about relapses and worsening illness. The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it has received some deliveries and expects more in coming weeks, with monthly updates to follow.
25 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 24 June

NMRC clears Fabupharm paracetamol syrup after safety tests
The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council has cleared Fabupharm Pty Ltd's paracetamol syrup for use after independent laboratory tests confirmed it met safety and quality standards. The clearance was issued in May following the product's recall last year, which came after routine inspection shortcomings were identified.
24 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 23 June

Ondangwa hospital project scaled down to district facility
The government has scaled down its plans to build an Ondangwa referral hospital, with Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge announcing the project will instead become a 700-bed district hospital. The feasibility study and environmental assessments have been completed, with the AfDB providing financing in collaboration with the ministries of finance and health and social services.
23 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 17 June

Gobabis State Hospital nurses report prolonged overtime payment delays
Nurses at Gobabis State Hospital say they have not received overtime payments for months, with some claiming no payments since January. The Ministry of Health and Social Services acknowledges outstanding overtime claims from the 2025/26 financial year but says they are awaiting treasury approval.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 16 June

Environmental health practitioners petition for grade structure review
Environmental health practitioners and assistants across Namibia have petitioned the ministry of health and social services to review and upgrade their profession's grading structure, arguing that their qualifications and responsibilities are not adequately reflected in the current public service framework. The practitioners, who hold honours degrees and diplomas respectively, perform essential public health functions including food safety, water quality monitoring, sanitation, waste management, vector control, and disease surveillance.
16 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

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 →

Thursday 14 May

Windhoek mental health facility admits systemic security failures
The Ministry of Health and Social Services acknowledged systemic failures at the Windhoek Central Mental Health Centre, citing inadequate infrastructure and human resource deficits that contributed to poor supervision. The admission followed a patient escaping and a fatal police shooting incident.
14 May 2026 · The Namibian →