Also known as: WHO · World Health Organization
World Health Organisation — international health body providing guidance on Namibia's mental health and healthcare priorities.
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Order a long-term news report on World Health Organisation
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
World Health Organisation reports approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women (190 million) globally diagnosed with endometriosis
“According to World Health Organisation data, there are approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women (190 million) globally diagnosed with this condition.”
Endometriosis: The EnigmaThe Namibian
World Health Organisation continues to provide Namibia technical support and access to Multi-Drug Therapies for leprosy treatment
“WHO continues to provide Namibia not only with technical support, but also with access to Multi-Drug Therapies (MDTs) for the effective treatment of leprosy.”
Leprosy not a thing ofthe past – ShangulaThe Namibian
World Health Organisation reported a 30-fold increase in measles cases in Europe in 2023
“There was an "alarming" 30-fold increase in measles cases in Europe last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.”
Alarming 30-fold rise in measles in Europe – WHOThe Namibian
World Health Organisation announced elevated rates of influenza-like illnesses in 11 European countries
“The European Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) conduct monitoring of reported cases of influenza-like illness and coordinate the response thereof. As of the second week of January, the agencies stopped short of sounding the alarm by announcing "elevated rates of influenza-like illnesses in 11 European countries".”
Do we have anything to fear from Europe’s respiratory viruses?The Namibian
World Health Organisation revealed that about 90,000 Namibians are living with diabetes
“Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that about 90 000 Namibians are living with diabetes.”
Reflecting on a year of health challengesThe Namibian
World Health Organisation states NCDs account for 71% of total global deaths
“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs account for a staggering 71% of total global deaths.”
Revolutionising non-communicable disease managementThe Namibian
World Health Organisation named Namibia among countries not on track for health millennium development goals
“THE World Health Organisation and the World Bank this week named Namibia among the countries that are not on track to reach the so-called millennium development goals for health.”
Will Namibians be healthy enough by 2015?The Namibian
World Health Organisation says approximately 14.9 million excess deaths occurred directly or indirectly with Covid-19 between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021
“The World Health Organisation says that between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021 there were approximately 14,9 million excess deaths associated directly or indirectly with the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Grief and the PandemicThe Namibian
World Health Organisation published the 'Global Influenza Program, Essential steps for developing or updating a national pandemic influenza preparedness plan'
“In the 'Global Influenza Program, Essential steps for developing or updating a national pandemic influenza preparedness plan' published by the World Health Organisation, under the preparation phase it is stipulated that a workplan with budget must be developed.”
‘Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak'The Namibian
World Health Organisation states Namibia has the third highest interpersonal violence death rate in the world
“According to the World Health Organisation, Namibia has the third highest interpersonal violence death rate in the world.”
Men of Quality Respect Women's EqualityNigeria has recorded a case of Ebola in a female patient who travelled from Uganda to Abuja. The patient, who is in isolation receiving medical care, developed symptoms four days after arriving; 44 close contacts have been identified for contact-tracing.
21 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Nigeria has recorded a case of Ebola in a female patient who travelled from Uganda to Abuja. The patient, who is in isolation receiving medical care, developed symptoms four days after arriving; 44 close contacts have been identified for contact-tracing.
21 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has recorded no reported illness linked to a recalled batch of Nestlé NAN Special Pro HA infant formula, despite concerns over possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. The health minister said the recall was precautionary, but warned that potential consequences could be serious because the affected population involves infants.
21 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian education officials have urged pupils not to let "disappointing" examination results define their future, warning that academic setbacks are not the end of their educational journey. The call comes amid reported cases of pupils dying by suicide after receiving their examination results, including a Grade 12 pupil at St George's Diocesan School in January.
20 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Hardap regional education director has confirmed that 19 learners at J & W Mouton Primary School have contracted Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), and the education directorate is consulting with the Ministry of Health and Social Services on the matter. The affected children have been instructed to isolate at home for two weeks.
15 October 2026 · New Era →
The WHO says Namibia's newly passed mental health bill must be supported by predictable domestic financing and a costed implementation plan, particularly to shift from institutional to community-based care. WHO Namibia calls for investment in primary care teams, specialist support, medicines, and psychological services.
12 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia recorded an estimated 4,205 new cancer cases and more than 2,000 cancer deaths in 2024, according to figures from the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed among women, while cervical cancer accounted for 18.3% of all cancers among women.
10 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Residents of Sande informal settlement in Lüderitz say communal toilets have become unusable, forcing them to use a nearby mountain instead. Local leaders have called on the town council to intervene, citing health and dignity concerns.
10 October 2026 · The Namibian →
This year's World Cerebral Palsy Day, observed on 6 October with the theme #UniqueAndUnited, highlights the varied experiences and strengths of people with the condition, which affects movement, balance and posture differently in each person. Cerebral palsy, caused by damage to a baby's brain most often before birth, can result in stiff muscles, coordination difficulties, speech delays, intellectual disabilities, seizures, and hearing or vision problems, but its effects vary widely from person to person.
7 October 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has told Namibia's diplomats that international relationships must translate into jobs, investment, and opportunities for ordinary Namibians, rather than merely goodwill. In commissioning the new ambassador to Switzerland and UN Geneva, she directed diplomatic missions to support the Sixth National Development Plan through engagement in mining, energy, oil and gas, tourism, agriculture, water, fisheries, and transport and logistics.
5 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Cancer Association of Namibia chief executive Rolf Hansen says breast cancer patients should be given space to share their experiences, as diagnoses, treatment journeys and outcomes differ between individuals. Hansen noted that factors including cancer type, treatment intensity, cultural, socio-economic, religious circumstances and access to treatment shape each patient's unique journey.
4 October 2026 · The Namibian →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah commissioned Ms Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati as Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the UN Office at Geneva, charging her to advance and protect Namibia's national interests.
2 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Heart disease affects one in three people globally and one out of five eventually die prematurely, according to the World Health Organization. World Heart Day was commemorated at Windhoek Central Hospital with awareness sessions, patient celebrations, and a heart-shaped walk to raise awareness of the preventable disease.
2 October 2026 · New Era →
The 2023 Population and Housing Census Mortality Report shows Namibian men have a life expectancy of 64 years at birth, compared to 72.7 years for women. The gap persists across all age groups except those 80 and above, with males accounting for 54.8% of the 20,822 household deaths reported in the 12 months before the census.
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have surpassed 8,000 with 3,901 deaths recorded, making it the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC and the second-largest globally. Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade has advised Namibian nationals to limit travel to the DRC to essential purposes only, citing the ongoing Bundibugyo virus outbreak and limited emergency consular capacity outside Kinshasa.
28 September 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services will announce an employment and placement agreement for medical interns in the first week of October, following lengthy discussions among parties involved. Minister Luvindao cited financial resources and service demand as determinants of absorption capacity and noted the ministry is coordinating with learning institutions to align student intake with demand.
27 September 2026 · Informanté →
Usakos recorded the Erongo region's highest child malnutrition incidence rate over the past three years despite recording fewer cases than larger districts, driven by widespread poverty and systemic healthcare gaps. The district's incidence rate was 7.2% in 2024, 5.3% in 2025, and 4% between January and July 2026, compared to the regional rate of 3.7%, 3.9%, and 2.5% respectively.
23 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian Police disclosed that Namibia recorded 966 suicide cases over the past two financial years—480 in 2024/25 and 486 in 2025/26, with adult men accounting for the overwhelming majority in both years. An opinion piece argues that Namibia must move beyond annual prevention messages to address systemic barriers and make mental health a priority in public policy.
19 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia marks National Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Month (10 September to 10 October 2026) with a focus on breaking stigma, encouraging help-seeking, and strengthening mental health care access. According to a WHO Namibia representative, Namibia continues to record one of the highest suicide rates in the African region, and suicide is preventable through a coordinated approach.
18 September 2026 · Informanté →
Health practitioners from the ministry of health and social services have raised concerns over medication errors from misdiagnosis, incorrect prescriptions, and poor communication between healthcare workers and patients, warning such mistakes can compromise the safety of people receiving treatment for chronic conditions. The warning comes ahead of World Patient Safety Day, which Namibia will commemorate at Windhoek Central Hospital.
16 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A toddler died of diarrhoea-related complications in Zambezi region last month, bringing child deaths under age five to 12 this year. Cases surged from 1,146 to 6,960 between 24–30 August, with 255 hospital admissions; authorities cite poor sanitation, unsafe water storage, and low vaccination coverage.
13 September 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated Namibia's first state-owned Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at Windhoek Central Hospital, hailing it as a milestone toward equitable healthcare access regardless of socio-economic background.
11 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has proposed amendments to tobacco control laws that would prohibit smoking in indoor public places, workplaces, and outdoor zones of 50 metres around health facilities, educational facilities, and transport terminals. The ministry says the changes are needed to address new nicotine and tobacco products and their appeal to young people, though hospitality sector owners warn the restrictions could harm their businesses.
9 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Erongo governor Nathalia |Goagoses urged businesses to stop selling tobacco products and called for stronger laws to protect children and young people from tobacco and nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes and vaping products. She stressed that law enforcement needs stronger powers to prosecute offenders and that legislation alone will not be enough, requiring cooperation.
8 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has recorded 122 malaria deaths and 122,612 confirmed cases so far this year, with the government preparing to spray 1.2 million households in malaria-prone regions. The health minister announced that 99,078 cases were contracted locally while 23,354 were imported, and Kavango East region accounts for 30.6% of cases.
6 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's government has rejected a US proposal for health data and specimen-sharing worth over N$145 million per year for HIV and tuberculosis programmes, citing sovereignty and privacy violations. The US withdrew the biological specimen component in November 2025, though data-sharing negotiations continue.
31 August 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
The Namibia National Olympic Committee president presented a speech at the fourth Namibia Oil and Gas Conference advocating sport as a vehicle for employment and youth development, citing national unemployment at 36.9% and youth unemployment at approximately 44%.
24 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian men are being urged to speak more openly about mental illness and suicidal thoughts, as cultural expectations of silent endurance contribute to a national social crisis. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, 542 suicides were recorded in the 2023/24 financial year, with 449 being men—more than 82% of all reported suicide deaths.
24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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 →
World Health Organisation director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus met President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and praised her efforts reforming Namibia's health sector and improving patient care, particularly her unannounced hospital visits to assess actual conditions.
21 August 2026 · New Era →