WHO boosts Africa’s medicine self-reliance

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has made strides towards developing sustainable self-reliance in the production of medicines on the African continent. These sentiments were shared by Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, who said that with the challenge of non-availability of essential drugs, compounded by drastic disruptions in the global health landscape, it’s clear that expanding national and […]

GAVI gives $1.2B to African vaccine makers

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), an alliance of the World Health Organisation, has announced that it is giving out a US$1.2 billion subsidy, a milestone payment towards African commercial vaccine manufacturers. GAVI’s Chief Executive Officer, Sania Nishter, further disclosed, on the sidelines of the ongoing 75th session of the WHO’s Africa Regional […]

Zambia honours WHO, Africa CDC Chiefs

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has bestowed honours as officers of the Order of the Eagle of Zambia on WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus and Africa’s CDC Head Jean Kaseya. The President of Zambia has recognised their dedication to diligently reforming the health sector. The Zambian head of state acknowledged the achievements made by the first African […]

New maternity wing almost ready at Onandjokwe Hospital

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has announced that the new 120-bed maternity facility at the Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital is almost complete. The facility will feature first-stage and second-stage rooms, a spacious reception area, a procedure room and a gynaecology theatre. The theatre within the maternity section will reduce congestion at the hospital’s main […]

Mixed reactions to Oshana HPV vaccination campaign

Community members in the Oshana Region responded to the just-ended HPV vaccination campaign with mixed feelings. HPV refers to the human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer, which has become prevalent among women. The campaign aimed to raise awareness and vaccinate girls aged 9 to 14. The HPV vaccination campaign started on the 4th of August […]

New Namibia Essential Clinical Supplies List launched

The Director of Pharmaceutical Services in the Health Ministry, Naita Nghishekwa, says the newly launched Namibia Essential Clinical Supplies list is a technical reference tool designed to align procurement, supply chain operations and facility-level management.  The list, in a catalogue form, has integrated standardised specifications, images, and usage descriptions, ensuring that all stakeholders throughout the […]

MoHSS launches Clinical Supplies List to cut costs

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) intends to save millions through its newly launched Namibia Essential Clinical Supplies List.  On average, the ministry is said to spend about N$250 million on clinical supplies annually, and they are hoping to reduce the amount, hence the catalogue’s review.  The old list comprised 534 items.  65 […]

Omusati Eye Campaign restores sight to 360 elderly

The Omusati Eye Surgical Campaign by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, led by ophthalmologist Helena Ndume, restored sight to 360 elderly at Oshikuku. The week-long eye surgical campaign restores patients’ vision by removing cataracts, which is a clouding condition on the eye that causes reversible loss of vision. The eye cataract removal campaign, […]