Health ministry needs over N$4.5 billion to fill thousands of vacant posts- Luvindao
Namibia’s public health system faces a massive human resource gap as the health ministry revealed that it needs over N$4.55 billion to fill more than 11700 approved positions. This was disclosed by health minister Esperance Luvindao during her budget motivation speech in Parliament on Tuesday.
“To fill all 11742 positions, an amount of N$4,550,935,085 will be needed,” Luvindao stated, emphasising the urgency of addressing the health sector’s workforce constraints. She revealed that the current budget allocation of N$150 million would only fund 434 positions, leaving a significant shortfall when demand for healthcare services is rising.
The staffing crisis comes as the ministry scales up its efforts in public health delivery, including disease surveillance, HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria control, and mental health services. Luvindao stressed that the ministry had done the necessary groundwork to create these positions and now required financial support to implement them.
“The necessary work was done, however, the current allocation falls far short of what is needed," she said.
Budget Request for Public Health Programs
The ministry is seeking an additional N$114.4 million for its public health programs in the 2025–2026 financial year. This funding will go toward operationalising the Namibia Institute of Public Health, strengthening disease prevention and immunisation, addressing non-communicable diseases, and improving maternal and child health services.
“We want to be able to control our data, have our research which will dictate the way forward for our people,” Luvindao said, reiterating the government’s intention to reduce dependency on external data and research for policy-making.
Sustaining HIV/AIDS Gains Amid Donor Shifts
Namibia has made substantial progress in its HIV response, with 93% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95% on antiretroviral therapy, and 98% achieving viral suppression according to the minister. Luvindao acknowledged growing concern over shrinking international funding, particularly from the United States, but offered reassurance.
“The government of Namibia has been procuring these antiretroviral medicines since 2016 and will continue to do so,” she said, adding that recently issued waivers by the U.S. government would allow some continued support through September or October 2025.
She noted, however, that the transition to domestic funding models was creating employment gaps in programs previously supported by donors. “Medication is covered by the government, but there is a gap in terms of employment,” she said.
Strengthening Sustainability and Local Partnerships
To ensure long-term sustainability, Luvindao pointed to key policies adopted by the ministry, including the Roadmap for the Sustainability of HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control, launched in November 2024. This framework outlines strategies for national ownership of disease control efforts.
Additionally, she highlighted the Social Contracting for Health Policy, introduced in October 2023, which enables collaboration between government and civil society organisations to deliver health services and reach underserved populations.
“We find that it is crucial to find long-term sustainable plans and partner with local organisations in Namibia,” Luvindao said. “We have many of them performing similar tasks as what our partner organizations were doing.”
Expanding Services and Facilities
Luvindao also provided updates on infrastructure and social well-being programs. The Etegameno Rehabilitation Centre, which currently provides inpatient services for substance use, is being expanded to include patients under the age of 18. Outpatient services for drug and alcohol dependence have been piloted in three regions, with a national rollout planned.
She announced that the ministry has requested N$37.4 million for social well-being programs, including family support, parenting education, and prevention of substance abuse across all 14 regions.
Call for Parliamentary Support
Luvindao closed her address by urging Parliament to recognise the scale of investment required to strengthen Namibia’s public health system. “The commitment to health is there. The plans are in place. What remains is the funding to make it happen,” she said.
“To fill all 11742 positions, an amount of N$4,550,935,085 will be needed,” Luvindao stated, emphasising the urgency of addressing the health sector’s workforce constraints. She revealed that the current budget allocation of N$150 million would only fund 434 positions, leaving a significant shortfall when demand for healthcare services is rising.
The staffing crisis comes as the ministry scales up its efforts in public health delivery, including disease surveillance, HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria control, and mental health services. Luvindao stressed that the ministry had done the necessary groundwork to create these positions and now required financial support to implement them.
“The necessary work was done, however, the current allocation falls far short of what is needed," she said.
Budget Request for Public Health Programs
The ministry is seeking an additional N$114.4 million for its public health programs in the 2025–2026 financial year. This funding will go toward operationalising the Namibia Institute of Public Health, strengthening disease prevention and immunisation, addressing non-communicable diseases, and improving maternal and child health services.
“We want to be able to control our data, have our research which will dictate the way forward for our people,” Luvindao said, reiterating the government’s intention to reduce dependency on external data and research for policy-making.
Sustaining HIV/AIDS Gains Amid Donor Shifts
Namibia has made substantial progress in its HIV response, with 93% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95% on antiretroviral therapy, and 98% achieving viral suppression according to the minister. Luvindao acknowledged growing concern over shrinking international funding, particularly from the United States, but offered reassurance.
“The government of Namibia has been procuring these antiretroviral medicines since 2016 and will continue to do so,” she said, adding that recently issued waivers by the U.S. government would allow some continued support through September or October 2025.
She noted, however, that the transition to domestic funding models was creating employment gaps in programs previously supported by donors. “Medication is covered by the government, but there is a gap in terms of employment,” she said.
Strengthening Sustainability and Local Partnerships
To ensure long-term sustainability, Luvindao pointed to key policies adopted by the ministry, including the Roadmap for the Sustainability of HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control, launched in November 2024. This framework outlines strategies for national ownership of disease control efforts.
Additionally, she highlighted the Social Contracting for Health Policy, introduced in October 2023, which enables collaboration between government and civil society organisations to deliver health services and reach underserved populations.
“We find that it is crucial to find long-term sustainable plans and partner with local organisations in Namibia,” Luvindao said. “We have many of them performing similar tasks as what our partner organizations were doing.”
Expanding Services and Facilities
Luvindao also provided updates on infrastructure and social well-being programs. The Etegameno Rehabilitation Centre, which currently provides inpatient services for substance use, is being expanded to include patients under the age of 18. Outpatient services for drug and alcohol dependence have been piloted in three regions, with a national rollout planned.
She announced that the ministry has requested N$37.4 million for social well-being programs, including family support, parenting education, and prevention of substance abuse across all 14 regions.
Call for Parliamentary Support
Luvindao closed her address by urging Parliament to recognise the scale of investment required to strengthen Namibia’s public health system. “The commitment to health is there. The plans are in place. What remains is the funding to make it happen,” she said.
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