On 14 November 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) in commemorating World Diabetes Day under the theme “Diabetes Across Life Stages”. Held at the UN Plaza in Katutura, the event served as a reminder that every person living with diabetes should have access to integrated care, supportive environments, and policies that promote health, dignity, and effective self-management. The day underscored the importance of a comprehensive, life-course approach to diabetes prevention, management and overall well-being.

Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Taimi Amaambo, the Deputy Executive Director at MOHSS, highlighted the critical need for tailored diabetes care and prevention strategies that address the unique needs of individuals across their lifespan. “It is a call to action for individuals, families, communities, employers, and governments to work collaboratively to combat this growing health challenge,” she said. She emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to wellness, which includes nurturing health from the cradle to the golden years and supporting one another in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. “Together, we can build a Namibia where every citizen has the opportunity to live well, age well, and thrive across all stages of life,” she noted.

According to the WHO, in 2021 more than 537 million adults, approximately one in ten people were living with diabetes. In Africa, 24 million people were affected, a figure projected to more than double to 55 million by 2045. In Namibia, nearly 7% of adults are living with diabetes, highlighting the increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). During 2024/2025 6,844 diabetes cases were recorded across all age groups, reflecting a slight decline from the 8,073 cases reported in 2023/2024.

WHO Representative Dr. Richard Banda commended the Government of Namibia for its longstanding and steadfast commitment to addressing risk factors and improving the control of NCDs. He emphasized that this year’s campaign centers on a unifying goal of empowering people living with diabetes to live well at every stage of life. “Working together, we can remove the barriers that prevent people from accessing care and create environments that support healthy living,” he said. Dr. Banda also reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the Government of Namibia in providing effective care and sustained support throughout the life course, ensuring that every person with diabetes can live a healthy, dignified and fulfilling life.

The Walvis Bay Corridor Group provided on-site services, including screening, testing and health education on diabetes. Their support enabled community members to access essential information and early detection services, underscoring the importance of regular check-ups and proactive diabetes management.