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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

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What’s been said

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  1. August 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya said ministry has to be careful commenting on registered medicines because some are legally sold by businesses

    Source

    “Kamaya told The Namibian yesterday that the ministry has to be careful when commenting on registered medicines because some are legally sold by businesses.”

    Weight loss craze squeezes diabetes drug supply
  3. Informanté

    Walters Kamaya, spokesperson for the Health Ministry said all patients received medical attention and were discharged in stable condition

    Source

    “Walters Kamaya, spokesperson for the Health Ministry, said all patients received medical attention and were discharged home in stable condition, with no further referrals.”

    Nine patients discharged after consuming spilled vodka drinks
  4. The Namibian

    Health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya says the ministry is preparing a statement regarding Covid-19 cases

    Source

    “Health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya says the ministry is preparing a statement regarding Covid-19 cases.”

    No further Covid-19 cases reported at Delta hostel
  5. The Namibian

    Health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya says the matron confirmed the arrangement to his office

    Source

    “Health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya says the matron confirmed the arrangement to his office.”

    Kavango West cleaners put to construction work
  6. The Namibian

    Kamaya could not confirm claims that staff members were told they would be fired for refusing construction work

    Source

    “Kamaya, however, says he could not confirm claims that staff members were told they would be fired for refusing to do construction work.”

    Kavango West cleaners put to construction work
  7. The Namibian

    Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya says the ministry is aware of Okahandja and Outjo incidents with internal investigations underway

    Source

    “Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya says the ministry is aware of both the Okahandja and Outjo incidents and that internal investigations are underway.”

    Outjo nurse accused of assaulting patient’s father
  8. July 2026
  9. Windhoek Observer

    Walters Kamaya said the festival was established to bring the community together and strengthen cultural identity

    Source

    “Mayeyi Traditional Authority spokesperson Walters Kamaya said the festival, which has been held annually since 1993, was established to bring the community together, strengthen cultural identity and ensure younger generations understand their heritage.”

    YOUNG OBSERVER | Youth lead renewed pride in Mayeyi culture ahead of Batsara festival
  10. New Era

    Walters Kamaya has not been picking up calls or responding to WhatsApp texts for over two days

    Source

    “Efforts to obtain comment from the Ministry of Health and Social Services were met with the same deafening silence, as spokesperson Walters Kamaya has not been picking up calls, nor respond to WhatsApp texts sent to his phone number for over two days.”

    Health ‘fails’ to pay tuition fees for students in Zambia
  11. Informanté

    Walters Kamaya said health ministry has resolved to provide monthly updates on pharmaceutical stock levels

    Source

    “Kamaya, however, said the issue is being actively addressed by the health ministry, which he said has resolved to provide monthly updates on the stock levels of pharmaceuticals at government's Central Medical Stores countrywide.”

    Rundu State Hospital medicine shortage part of national crisis – Health Ministry
  12. Informanté

    Walters Kamaya said amputation cause not yet verified; investigation ongoing

    Source

    “Walters Kamaya, media liaison officer within the Health Ministry, said that at this stage it has not yet been verified whether the amputation of the arm was a result of, or was caused by, the initial treatment received at Otjiwarongo State Hospital.”

    Boys’ arm amputated amid claims of medical negligence at Otjiwarongo Hospital
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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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 →

  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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 →

  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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 →

Walters Kamaya — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute