Windhoek: Namibia's healthcare system continues to battle several challenges such as communicable and non-communicable diseases, Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Esperance Luvindao has said. Luvindao made the remarks on Monday during the official launch of the Ministerial Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Policy Document in Windhoek.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Luvindao highlighted issues affecting the health sector, including the uneven distribution of health personnel and infrastructure, gaps in the quality of care, and barriers that prevent vulnerable individuals from accessing essential services. The minister said the UHC is Namibia's direct response to these challenges, providing an extensive framework to ensure that all Namibians have fair access to quality health and social services without financial hardship.

Despite the obstacles, she noted that Namibia's health system has achieved notable progress over the years. "Our health-adjusted life expectancy has risen significantly from 47 to 56 years, and the UHC service index has improved from 39 per cent in 2000 to 63 per cent by 2024," she disclosed. "We have achieved historic milestones, including receiving WHO bronze and silver-tier certification for being on the path to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B," she added, saying these achievements reflect solid commitment and strategic interventions.

While the Ministerial Strategic Plan seeks to guide the ministry's activities for the next five years, the UHC policy provides a clear vision and framework to strengthen the provision of quality healthcare for all Namibians without financial hardship. "We aim to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality, continue placing HIV, TB, and malaria on a declining path, and substantially increase our UHC index," Luvindao stated, adding that Namibia's progress will be measured by tangible results.

In a speech delivered on her behalf, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Namibia, Hopolang Phororo, stressed that the government alone cannot achieve universal health coverage. She said unified efforts involving the likes of health workers, communities, and academia are required to realise that goal.