Japan-funded N$18.4m health projects target vulnerable Namibians

Namibia launched three major health projects worth N$18.4 million last week, aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness, curbing malaria and improving cancer diagnostics, with a focus on vulnerable and underserved communities.

The projects, funded through Japan's supplementary budget and implemented in partnership with the United Nations, were officially launched in Windhoek on Thursday.

Speaking at the launch on behalf of health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao, ministry executive director Penda Ithindi said the initiatives are critical in addressing recurring public health challenges.

“Today marks a significant step forward in our commitment to strengthen integrated primary health care and public health emergency preparedness and response, while improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, to reduce morbidity and mortality in affected communities in our country,” he said.

Priority projects

“These projects were identified as key priorities to address the recurrent public health emergencies driven by climate change, cross-border disease transmission, water scarcity and a growing burden of non-communicable diseases like cancer, aligning well with our national priorities,” he said.

The largest programme, valued at N$12.34 million, will be implemented in Kunene, Omusati and Otjozondjupa regions.

Communities face heightened exposure to diseases such as malaria, measles and cholera due to border proximity, population movement and limited access to services.

At least 118 825 people are expected to benefit from strengthened health services across eight hospitals, while 14 630 people will gain access to safe water and sanitation.

Water infrastructure will be installed at five boreholes serving schools, health facilities, and communities, with additional support reaching 18 schools and 2 200 vulnerable households.

The second project, valued at N$2.18 million, targets malaria preparedness in Kavango East, Kavango West, Zambezi and Ohangwena regions.

It will provide health education to more than 42 000 people and distribute long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets to at least 700 at-risk individuals, including pregnant women and children under five.

The initiative also includes improved malaria data management, updated treatment protocols, and enhanced national reporting systems.

The third project, costing N$3.93 million, focuses on strengthening cancer diagnostics and treatment in Windhoek by procuring seven advanced ultrasound machines for Windhoek Central Hospital.

The equipment will support the diagnosis and staging of cancers, including breast, prostate and lymphoma, while reducing reliance on private healthcare and easing diagnostic backlogs.

Namibia-Japan health ties

Ithindi stressed that the funding "is not just about buying commodities and equipment; it is about providing better access to quality health services and, most importantly, strengthening the health system to improve access to quality health care services".

He added that the support from Japan reflects a broader commitment to Namibia’s health sector. “It is an investment in resilience, in equity and in the future well-being of Namibians.”

Japan's ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, said the projects form part of long-standing cooperation between Japan, Namibia, and UN agencies, with 27 trilateral initiatives implemented since 2013 at a value exceeding US$23 million.

“The equipment for this project will be supplied by a Japanese company, Toshiba, and they will also serve as technical partners, offering service contracts and facilitating training to strengthen the capacity of Namibian healthcare professionals,” he explained.

With implementation set over the next 12 months, the projects are expected to improve access to healthcare, strengthen system resilience, and deliver tangible benefits to communities most at risk of public health emergencies.