Namibia News

The Ministry of Health and Social Services, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), commemorated World No Tobacco Day in Walvis Bay, calling for stronger policies, greater public awareness and community action to protect children and young people from tobacco and nicotine addiction.

Windhoek—At 13 years old, Andre Hansen thought smoking was simply part of growing up.

Like many teenagers trying to fit in, he smoked his first cigarette in the company of other boys in his neighbourhood of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. What began as experimentation quickly turned into a 17-year-long dependence that would eventually open the door to other psychoactive substance use, the loss of relationships, stability and self-esteem.

Today, at 33 years old, Hansen has been tobacco-free and abstained from other substance use for more than two years.

Windhoek—At 13 years old, Andre Hansen thought smoking was simply part of growing up.

Like many teenagers trying to fit in, he smoked his first cigarette in the company of other boys in his neighbourhood of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. What began as experimentation quickly turned into a 17-year-long dependence that would eventually open the door to psychoactive substance use, the loss of relationships, stability and self-esteem.

Today, at 33 years old, Hansen has been tobacco-free and abstained from other substance use for more than two years.

Strong leadership from the Omusati Governor and Regional Council is driving a more intense regional response to the malaria outbreak, as political leaders, health authorities, communities, faith-based organisations, and development partners unite to take urgent action to reduce illness and prevent further deaths.

Ruacana, Omusati Region – Namibia used the commemoration of World Malaria Day 2026 to renew its commitment to ending malaria, with strong calls for urgent action, stronger community engagement, domestic investment, and regional collaboration to reverse the recent resurgence of malaria cases. 

Tobacco control leaders, government representatives, civil society organizations, development partners, and technical experts from across Africa convened in Windhoek this week for the Africa Tobacco Control Core Partners Biannual Coordination Meeting, reaffirming a collective commitment to strengthen tobacco control policies and protect populations from the devastating health and economic consequences of tobacco use.

The Republic of Namibia, through the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, and with financial support from the Government of Japan, has launched a set of strategic health projects to strengthen emergency preparedness and response, advance malaria prevention, and improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Namibia joined the global community in commemorating World Health Day 2026 under the theme, “Together for Health. Stand with Science,” with a strong call for continued investment in evidence-based health interventions and collective action to protect and improve the health of all Namibians.

Namibia is stepping up its fight against malaria following a sharp rise in cases in early 2026, with health authorities and partners working around the clock to contain the outbreak and protect at-risk communities.

A worrying rise in cases
After years of steady progress in eliminating malaria, the country is now experiencing a resurgence. Heavier and unusual rainfall has created ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, enabling the disease to spread more rapidly, including in areas that previously had little or no transmission.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), has convened a national stakeholders’ meeting to review the 2005 National Mental Health Policy and to develop a comprehensive implementation plan.