Niël Terblanché
Namibia has taken a decisive step in enhancing its capacity to respond to health emergencies with the launch of the National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan on Monday.
The initiative, which was unveiled in Windhoek by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), also includes the introduction of a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Handbook, a Digital Learning Platform, and the distribution of 80 electronic tablets for Community Health Workers.
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said the new measures reflect Namibia’s commitment to being prepared for public health threats.
“At a time when our country is confronted with outbreaks of sickness, such as the ongoing malaria outbreak and the recently announced cholera case in Kunene Region, it is important that we continue to enhance our capacity to address these challenges,” he said.
Dr Shangula added that Namibia’s public health emergency preparedness has been in development for years, beginning with the National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan first introduced in 2003 and revised in 2013.
He said that the country has since continued to refine its strategies, aligning them with international standards, including the International Health Regulations (2005) and the Joint External Evaluation framework.
“Noting the 2026 deadline set by the African Union for the establishment of Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, Namibia is ahead of time. We have already set up our own centre and are making strides towards establishing the Namibia Institute of Public Health,” he said.
Shangula said that Namibia’s preparedness efforts must continue beyond this launch.
“We must remain vigilant in assessing potential health threats, whether they be emerging infectious diseases, natural disasters, or environmental health challenges,” he said.
The minister pledged to continue working with local and international partners to ensure the country is prepared for any health crisis.
The WHO’s Country Representative, Dr Richard Banda, also spoke at the launch event, stressing the importance of being proactive in dealing with public health emergencies.
“The ongoing cholera outbreaks in the Southern African region highlight the need to continuously strengthen emergency preparedness and response in our respective countries,” he said. He also pointed out that Namibia is currently battling a malaria outbreak, which mostly affects the northern regions. “WHO is aware of the situation, and I want to assure you of our support,” he said.
As part of the efforts to improve response capacity, the WHO has donated a Digital Learning Platform valued at N$875 399 to Namibia’s health sector.
According to Banda, the system will allow the MoHSS to offer virtual training programmes for health workers, ensuring they have access to real-time medical guidelines, training, and virtual simulations.
“Training remains a key component of strengthening and utilising response groups for emergencies,” he said.
He added that in addition, the WHO has provided 80 digital devices worth N$550 000 to enhance communication and data collection by Community Health Workers.
Dr Shangula described the handover as a valuable contribution towards digitising community-based healthcare services, strengthening monitoring systems, and improving disease surveillance.
“These tablets will improve service delivery at the community and household levels while strengthening the referral mechanisms between Community Health Workers and health facilities,” he said.
Banda also announced that additional resources had been mobilised through the Pandemic Fund multi-country project to support Namibia’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
He said this funding will help develop multisectoral surge plans and maintain national emergency response databases in line with international standards.
“I implore all health and development partners to hold hands with the government of Namibia on this journey,” he added.
