Namibia’s Health Minister Urges Reform for Inclusive and Resilient System

Namibia’s Health Minister Urges Reform for Inclusive and Resilient System. The Namibia Medical Society has opened its Annual Scientific Conference, bringing together clinicians, researchers, health professionals, and development partners under the theme “Resilience in Practice: Stakeholder Engagement, Research and Advocacy Towards a Responsive and Inclusive Health System in Namibia.”

The three-day gathering serves as a platform for dialogue on strengthening Namibia’s health sector and finding practical solutions to persistent challenges.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, called for urgent reforms to build a health system that is both inclusive and resilient. She outlined key priorities, including improving infrastructure, ensuring access to essential diagnostic equipment, achieving 95% availability of medicines, and addressing shortages in human resources.

“The Ministry of Health cannot be treated like any other institution because it is about safeguarding lives. That is why we need a robust, proactive, and uncompromised health system,” Dr. Luvindao stated. She stressed the importance of moving away from reactive measures, instead investing in decentralization and proactive approaches to reduce pressure at national level.

The World Health Organization’s Representative in Namibia, Dr. Richard Banda, echoed the need for collaboration, emphasizing that universal health coverage requires evidence-driven action. “To be impactful, evidence must inform decisions, and the data we collect must be actively translated into action,” he said.

Namibia Medical Society Chairperson, Dr. Ruben Kanime, highlighted the role of the conference in fostering accountability. “This gathering allows us to raise the issues affecting health and to seek solutions. Those who must act need to hear these discussions,” he said.

The conference reinforces health as a national priority, underscoring the importance of partnerships, research, and advocacy in shaping a system that serves every Namibian.