Windhoek: The Kavango East Region is grappling with the absence of a dedicated public mental health hospital, compelling patients in need of specialized psychiatric care to seek treatment at larger hospitals like Windhoek Central Hospital or Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the issue was underscored following assessments for the 2025/26 financial year, identifying it as a significant challenge for the Ministry of Health and Social Services in the region. Augusta Katembo, the Mukwe Constituency councillor, recently presented the Kavango East Regional Council's development report to the National Council, emphasizing the urgent need for improved mental health services. Rundu Intermediate Hospital alone recorded approximately 3,500 psychiatric-related visits in 2021, illustrating the high demand.
Katembo also pointed out the limited space at Rundu Intermediate Hospital, exacerbated by the region's increasing population, and stressed the necessity for a new hospital to alleviate the pressure. Additional challenges include an ageing vehicle fleet that hampers service delivery and inadequate road and network infrastructure in certain areas.
Concerns were also raised about recurring food poisoning cases and the underutilization of a mobile clinic in Big Karukuvisa village due to a shortage of nurses. However, a new clinic at Mabushe village is close to completion and awaiting commissioning. Renovations at clinics in Baramasoni, Ndama, Sauyemwa, Kaisosi, and Nkarapamwe have been completed, and the region has received an ambulance, a double cab bakkie, and an outreach vehicle to enhance health service delivery.
Despite these obstacles, Katembo reported progress in several health programs, noting that 96% of people in the region are aware of their HIV status, 97% are receiving treatment, and 96% have achieved viral suppression. The region also recorded a tuberculosis treatment success rate of 91%, with a malaria fatality rate of 0.08%, revealing the effectiveness of early diagnosis and treatment.
Furthermore, efforts to combat polio have shown promise. Following the detection of Poliovirus Type 2 in a Rundu sewage pond, four rounds of polio vaccination campaigns were conducted, achieving an average coverage of 90%.