Namibia News

Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of death globally, claiming millions of lives each year and burdening health systems with avoidable disease.

In 2022, 11.2% of Namibians aged 15 and over were smokers, with a significantly higher prevalence among men (19.2%) compared to women (4.0%). Youth tobacco use remains a significant concern, with 31.1% of those aged 13-15 using tobacco products. Namibia loses approximately 1,700 lives each year due to tobacco-related diseases and faces substantial economic costs. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) actively participated in the first International Cancer Genomics Conference, held under the theme “Harnessing Functional Genomics in Cancer Research: Opportunities for Diagnosis and Treatment.” The conference took place from 24–26 September 2025 at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, Namibia, hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in collaboration with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and endorsed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO) through the Pandemic Fund Multi-Country Project, convened a comprehensive workshop from 25 to 29 August 2025 in Windhoek to review and update the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) training materials. The workshop aimed to align all training modules with the recently developed local guidelines on One Health and the Event Based Surveillance.

In a significant move to advance the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents, Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, officially launched two key health policy documents on 9 October 2025 in Windhoek.

Namibia joined the global community in commemorating World Patient Safety Day 2025 under the theme “Safe care for every newborn and every child” and the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”. The national event held in Opuwo, Kunene Region, brought together government officials, development partners, health workers and communities to reflect on progress, renew commitments, and highlight collective action to protect the most vulnerable.

Windhoek ‒ Andra Chigova, a 10-year-old girl from Windhoek, Namibia, is encouraging other girls to get vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes most cervical cancers. “I just got my HPV vaccination today. Do not be scared ‒ the HPV vaccine will protect us in the future against cervical cancer,” she says.  

Strengthening Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) remains a key priority in Namibia, with several stakeholders actively supporting efforts to improve the accuracy and completeness of Mortality and Causes of Death data. Reliable mortality data is essential for understanding the country’s health profile, monitoring progress toward national and global health targets, and guiding evidence-based policy decisions.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) with technical support from WHO conducted a four-day orientation workshop of International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point (NFPs) from 17 – 20 June 2025 in Swakopmund. The workshop aimed to strengthen NFPs understanding of the IHR (2005), their roles and responsibilities, and coordinating timely reporting and communication of potential public health events of international concern.

Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are major causes of death and illness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). They significantly contribute to non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and liver conditions. Tobacco use in Namibia is estimated to be 13.2% in 2025 for people aged 15 years and older, a slight decline from 14.9% in 2022, against a global average of 19.8%.

From 21 to 23 July 2025, Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted Namibia’s first-ever Early Action Review (EAR) for the cholera outbreak in Opuwo. This review followed the declaration of a cholera outbreak in Opuwo Health District, Kunene Region on 19 June 2025. In response, it became essential for stakeholders to coordinate efforts to contain the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on affected communities.