Namibia’s Lawmakers Rally Behind Mental Health Reform Amid Rising Concerns

Namibia’s Lawmakers Rally Behind Mental Health Reform Amid Rising Concerns. Under the theme “Turning Awareness Into Action,” the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has launched a renewed effort to strengthen mental health advocacy across Namibia, bringing key decision-makers into vital discussions aimed at transforming awareness into tangible progress.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Members of Parliament from the Standing Committee on Gender, Health and Social Welfare joined a high-level dialogue convened by the Ministry. The gathering focused on destigmatizing mental illness, improving public understanding, and initiating policy reform to meet growing national needs.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Dr. Esperance Luvindao, delivered a candid address, pointing to widespread misinformation as a major obstacle in tackling mental health challenges.

She highlighted the limited mental health infrastructure—just two specialized facilities serve the entire country—and stressed the need for legal and policy reform to better serve communities.

Parliamentarians in attendance expressed strong support for the Ministry’s advocacy efforts. Hon. Winnie Moongo welcomed the initiative and urged fellow lawmakers to treat mental health reform as a national obligation.

The engagement concluded with a joint call for increased investment in infrastructure, training of professionals, law reform, and sustained public education to protect the mental well-being of all Namibians.