Luvindao tables Mental Health Bill to protect Namibia’s most vulnerable
'It is a matter of dignity, equality, and hope.'
Namibia has taken a decisive step towards safeguarding the rights and dignity of people living with mental health conditions — particularly women, youth, and other vulnerable groups — with the tabling of the Mental Health Bill, 2025, in parliament by health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao.
The new law seeks to replace the outdated Mental Health Act of 1973, which no longer reflects the country’s democratic and human rights values.
Luvindao described the Bill as “a landmark piece of legislation aimed at transforming mental health care and ensuring the dignity, rights, and well-being of all Namibians”.
“Mental health is not a matter of shame or neglect. It is a matter of dignity, equality, and hope,” Luvindao told the House. “Every Namibian, regardless of gender, age, or background, deserves the right to care, compassion, and community.”
Stigmatised and misunderstood
According to the minister, the Bill introduces a rights-based, patient-centred approach to mental health care, with specific protections for groups who have historically faced discrimination and exclusion. It prohibits exploitation, abuse, and forced sterilisation, while guaranteeing patients’ rights to privacy, representation, and access to information.
“For too long, those living with mental health conditions, particularly women and young people, have suffered in silence — stigmatised and misunderstood,” Luvindao said. “This Bill ensures they are treated not as objects of control, but as human beings with potential and dignity.”
Beyond treatment, the Bill promotes education and awareness as tools for social change.
It calls for collaboration between government ministries, civil society, traditional authorities, and families to combat stigma and ensure that mental health is integrated into schools, workplaces, and communities.
“Mental health is everyone’s business,” she stressed. “It is not confined to hospitals or clinics; it begins in our homes, in our schools, and in our workplaces. We must build a nation that nurtures both body and mind.”
Protect patients
The new legislation will decentralise mental health services, ensuring that care is accessible in all regions, not only in Windhoek.
It further establishes independent review boards to oversee facilities, investigate complaints, and protect patients from neglect or abuse.
Luvindao appealed to all members of parliament to support the Bill, describing it as a test of national compassion and justice.
“By passing this Bill, we affirm our belief that no Namibian should be left behind,” she declared. “This is not merely about treatment; it is about humanity, inclusion, and the promise of a better tomorrow.”
Earlier this month, Cabinet approved the institutionalisation of Mental Health Safe Spaces in offices, ministries, agencies, and public enterprises.
If adopted, the Mental Health Bill, 2025, will replace the 52-year-old law and usher in a new era for mental health care in Namibia.
The new law seeks to replace the outdated Mental Health Act of 1973, which no longer reflects the country’s democratic and human rights values.
Luvindao described the Bill as “a landmark piece of legislation aimed at transforming mental health care and ensuring the dignity, rights, and well-being of all Namibians”.
“Mental health is not a matter of shame or neglect. It is a matter of dignity, equality, and hope,” Luvindao told the House. “Every Namibian, regardless of gender, age, or background, deserves the right to care, compassion, and community.”
Stigmatised and misunderstood
According to the minister, the Bill introduces a rights-based, patient-centred approach to mental health care, with specific protections for groups who have historically faced discrimination and exclusion. It prohibits exploitation, abuse, and forced sterilisation, while guaranteeing patients’ rights to privacy, representation, and access to information.
“For too long, those living with mental health conditions, particularly women and young people, have suffered in silence — stigmatised and misunderstood,” Luvindao said. “This Bill ensures they are treated not as objects of control, but as human beings with potential and dignity.”
Beyond treatment, the Bill promotes education and awareness as tools for social change.
It calls for collaboration between government ministries, civil society, traditional authorities, and families to combat stigma and ensure that mental health is integrated into schools, workplaces, and communities.
“Mental health is everyone’s business,” she stressed. “It is not confined to hospitals or clinics; it begins in our homes, in our schools, and in our workplaces. We must build a nation that nurtures both body and mind.”
Protect patients
The new legislation will decentralise mental health services, ensuring that care is accessible in all regions, not only in Windhoek.
It further establishes independent review boards to oversee facilities, investigate complaints, and protect patients from neglect or abuse.
Luvindao appealed to all members of parliament to support the Bill, describing it as a test of national compassion and justice.
“By passing this Bill, we affirm our belief that no Namibian should be left behind,” she declared. “This is not merely about treatment; it is about humanity, inclusion, and the promise of a better tomorrow.”
Earlier this month, Cabinet approved the institutionalisation of Mental Health Safe Spaces in offices, ministries, agencies, and public enterprises.
If adopted, the Mental Health Bill, 2025, will replace the 52-year-old law and usher in a new era for mental health care in Namibia.
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