Ben Nangombe – Windhoek Observer

24 Oct

MoHSS set to rollout HPV vaccines soon

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, Walter Kamaya, World Health Organization (WHO)

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The executive director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), Ben Nangombe, has announced that the government is on the verge of introducing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in the public health sector. The vaccine prevents HPV infections that may lead to cervical cancer. A statement, released on Thursday, highlighted the ministry’s past achievements and future projects. Nangombe stated that the ministry is collaborating with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to bring HPV vaccines to the country and is actively finalising an implementation plan. ‘’Most cases of cervical cancer in Namibia are caused by…

10 Oct

Namibia takes decisive steps to combat infectious diseases

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, National Operational Plan, Sustainability Roadmap

Niël Terblanché With the expected launch of the finalised Sustainability Roadmap and National Operational Plan (NOP) for healthcare during World AIDS Day in December 2024, Namibia is set to make significant strides in securing a healthier future. Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director of the ministry, said that the roadmap is not just a collection of strategies but a critical tool for ensuring sustained epidemic control in Namibia. He said the ministry hopes that with the implementation, Namibia will serve as a model for other nations aiming to achieve sustainable health responses in the face of evolving global health challenges. “The…

02 Sep

GRN expands dialysis and ICU services to district hospitals

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, Wilika Frai

Ester Mbathera The Ministry of Health and Social Services has initiated the installation of dialysis units in several district hospitals across Namibia. Ben Nangombe, the executive director of the health ministry, made this statement at the book launch of Wilika Frai, who received state support during her battle with endometriosis. Nangombe said the move is part of the government's broader effort to improve public healthcare delivery in the country. "As a ministry, we are working quite hard to improve the provision of public health care services in this country," said Nangombe. He said the government has previously spent over N$100…

01 Sep

Namibia is still mpox-free

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, mpox cases

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed that Namibia remains free of laboratory-confirmed mpox cases. This announcement released by Ben Nangombe, the executive director of the health ministry on Friday, comes after thorough testing of 18 suspected cases, all of which returned negative results. According to Nangombe, the ministry has been closely monitoring the mpox situation in the southern African region and across Africa. “The 18 suspected cases, which presented symptoms suggestive of mpox, were promptly tested. While the results for 15 of these cases were received earlier, the ministry has now received the results for…

22 Feb

Covid-19 under control – Nangombe

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, Covid-19 under control - Nangombe

Martin Endjala The Executive Director of the Ministry of Health Social and Services Ben Nangombe says that Covid-19 cases remain under control and that no new hospitalizations have been reported across the country. Nangombe expressed that although this is comforting, people should not be complacent as the virus is still around. He has since called or members of the public to be cautious and maintain social distancing. Nangombe was reacting to concerns raised, following a rise of Covid-19 cases reported towards the end of 2022. “Covid-19 is still with us and we will continue monitoring the situation as it unfolds,…

17 Jan

Nangombe denies Engela crisis

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, Engela District Hospital, Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Nangombe denies Engela crisis

Tujoromajo Kasuto Ben Nangombe, Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, has denied allegations made by PDM member of parliament Hidipo Hamata that doctors at the Engela Hospital utilize mobile phone flashlights due to power outages, a lack of sewerage, and a lack of washing services. Hamata further claimed that the hospital’s washing service is inoperable. According to Nangombe, the Engela District Hospital has two standby power generators. “One is fully operational and the other is undergoing maintenance as conductors on one of the generators were burnt during a thunderstorm. According to Hospital Management, there has been…

Water and vector-borne diseases could spread<br>because of flooding

16 Dec

Water and vector-borne diseases could spread
because of flooding

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, City drainage overwhelmed by heavy rainfall, HIV/AIDS

Tujoromajo Kasuto The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is advising Windhoek residents to practice effective hygiene measures to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. The ministry is conducting surveillance to detect water and vector-borne diseases. This includes, in particular, data monitoring for diarrheal diseases, vomiting, and water testing after the capital was heavily flooded on Wednesday night. Ben Nangombe, Executive Director of MoHSS, says floods are accompanied by the contamination of safe water sources, which compromises the sanitation of public hygiene. He adds that there is an increased risk of water-borne and vector-borne diseases, these include diarrheal diseases,…

17 Aug

Lack of funds halt many projects in Kavango West

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, Lack of funds halt many projects in Kavango West, National Council, President Hifikepunye Pohamba

Staff Writer The construction of the Nkurenkuru Intermediate Hospital in the Kavango West Region has been on hold for eight years since its ground breaking ceremony which was done by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba in early November 2014. Ministry of Health and Social Services executive director Ben Nangombe said the availability of funds has affected the implementation of the hospital project. “The district hospital has been put on hold; the process had started but due to financial constrains the construction of the regional hospital could not take place. The availability of funds to implement these capital projects has affected that…

22 Jun

Power outage at hospital during surgeries

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, Doctor Nelago Amagulu, Power outage at hospital during surgeries

Staff writer Surgeries were performed with flashlights yesterday at the Katutura State Hospital as the referral health facility experienced powers shortages in some parts. Medical Superintendent, Doctor Nelago Amagulu confirmed the power blackout, saying it lasted for some minutes, but said some surgeries had to continue being done while the power was being restored. “They were some surgeries that were being performed when the power blackout happened and they had to be continued with alternative lighting,” she said. According to Amagulu the earth cables were cut by people who vandalized and informed us that they turned the generator to manual…

08 Jun

Measles outbreak in Omusati

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, Executive Director of the Health Ministry Ben Nangombe, Measles outbreak in Omusati, The Tsandi District

Tujoromajo Kasuto The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed a measles outbreak in the Outapi district, Omusati Region, with 23 suspected cases discovered during surveillance activities of the Omusati Regional Health Directorate investigations. According to the Executive Director of the Health Ministry Ben Nangombe, the majority of the 14 cases are from Outapi District and occurred at a school in Olukekete Village. The Tsandi District had eight and Okahao District one. He stated that five of the cases investigated were laboratory confirmed, while one was classified as compatible after testing equivocal (considered positive) and could not be retested…