Windhoek, Namibia – Namibia rolled out a five‑year health strategy and a new Universal Health Coverage (UHC) policy on Monday, aiming to give every citizen high‑quality, affordable medical care by 2030.
Health Minister Esperance Luvindao opened the event in the capital, stressing that the documents mark a key step toward a healthier, fairer nation. “Imagine a Namibia where every child gets life‑saving vaccines, expectant mothers receive top‑notch prenatal care, and no one has to choose between quick treatment and a full bill,” she said.
The UHC policy sets the framework to ensure essential health services are reachable without causing financial ruin. The five‑year Strategic Plan, covering 2025‑2029, spells out how to put the policy into action: it lists investment priorities, schedules, and clear targets.
Luvindao highlighted three pillars that anchor the reforms: people’s well‑being, operational excellence, and talent management. She shared progress already made, noting that health‑adjusted life expectancy climbed from 47 to 56 years, and the UHC coverage index rose from 39 % in 2000 to 63 % in 2024.
Namibia has also earned World Health Organization bronze and silver awards for cutting mother‑to‑child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B. Yet the Minister warned that challenges remain. Persistent diseases, weak infrastructure, and a shortage of health workers still hamper care.
The strategy tackles these problems by investing in digital health systems, streamlining supply chains, and planning an independent health regulatory agency to boost safety and quality.
On October 9, the government also unveiled a focused five‑year plan for maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health. Minister Luvindao said the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition Strategy, covering 2025‑2030, is a pledge to protect the rights and dignity of women, children, and teens.
Statistical highlights show the effort’s impact: the maternal mortality ratio fell from 449 per 100,000 live births in 2006 to 139 in 2025. Neonatal deaths stand at 24 per 1,000 live births, while under‑five mortality is 41 per 1,000.
Together, these plans signal Namibia’s commitment to build a stronger, more equitable health system for all its people.
Source: ianslive
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