Over 4000 women, children and vulnerable communities received access to essential health care services through a targeted outreach programme in Kunene and Omaheke regions thanks to the generous support of the Government of Japan to WHO Namibia and the Ministry of Health and Social Services.  The outreach program spanned over a 12-month period and aimed to increase access to quality health care for vulnerable populations through enhanced outreach health services to reduce preventable deaths and inequities in affected regions and communities.
 
Additional to the clients who had direct access to health services at the outreach points, 46,284 households were reached through Community Health Workers in both regions with services that included nutrition assessment of mothers and children under 5 years of age, follow-up of pregnant women and referral of cases requiring health facility care.
 
During a recent field visit to one of the 40 health outreach points in the Opuwo Health District, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services, noted that the programme is a key part of primary health care.  He further noted that primary health care is a cornerstone of public health systems and ensuring access to primary health care is critical to strengthening the public health system. By bolstering primary health care delivery here in Kunene Region and other parts of the country, we aim to address the causes of ill health, tackle endemic diseases, and promote wellness among our citizens, noted Dr Shangula. 
 
Ambassador of Japan in Namibia, His Excellency Hisao Nishimaki mentioned that the Access to Quality Care project was the fourth multilateral agreement between the Government of Japan, the Government of Namibia, and the World Health Organization in Namibia to address health emergencies and build resilient health systems. He highlighted that the government of Japan has committed its support to ensure that the most vulnerable population receives comprehensive healthcare within the framework of leaving no one behind.
 
WHO Namibia Officer-in-Charge, Dr Mary Brantuo expressed her appreciation to the government of Japan and noted that this project was valued at 300,000 USD.  The project activities included strengthening access to healthcare services for vulnerable women and children through outreach services, enhancing the capacity of community-based health workers to provide nutrition interventions, mobilizing communities to uptake health services effectively during outreach health visits,  improving the quality of care in healthcare facilities, through the implementation of National hospital quality standards, and; strengthening of national and regional coordination and monitoring of the project.
 
The field visit to the Kunene Region intended to showcase the immediate impact of the programme and show appreciation for ensuring access to health for all especially in hard-to-reach areas.