Namibia Hosts Global TB Innovation Conference as Country Nears WHO Treatment Targets. Namibia’s commitment to tackling tuberculosis (TB) was firmly in the spotlight this week as the Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Dr Esperance Luvindao, officially opened the 2nd International Conference on Innovation in TB 2025.
Speaking at the high-level gathering, Dr Luvindao commended the nation’s strides in TB management, citing notable achievements under the National TB and Leprosy Programme. In 2024, Namibia achieved an 88% treatment success rate for drug-susceptible TB—just shy of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of 90%. For drug-resistant TB, the treatment success rate reached 74%, a significant milestone in addressing one of the world’s most complex public health challenges.
“We have made significant progress, and these outcomes reflect our healthcare workers’ tireless efforts and the government’s commitment to decentralizing TB care,” said Dr Luvindao. She added that nearly 100% of TB patients are now tested for HIV, and of those co-infected, 99% were placed on Anti-Retroviral Therapy—underscoring Namibia’s integrated approach to healthcare delivery.
The conference, now in its second year, brings together researchers, policymakers, and healthcare practitioners from across the globe to share innovative solutions for TB detection, treatment, and prevention. Emphasis was placed on integrating TB services into primary healthcare and extending care beyond traditional health facility settings.