WHO Namibia in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) Namibia organized a two-day stakeholder workshop to validate the National Health Policy Framework (NHPF) developed with support of  WHO. The health sector strategic agenda in the country has been guided by the National Health Policy Framework (NHPF) 2010-2020 and the MoHSS Strategic Plan 2017/18-2021/22. The policy framework offers a thorough explanation of the broad objectives of health and social services as well as the methods used to accomplish them. The Framework serves as the foundation for more in-depth program policies that are operationalized through management plans, strategic plans, and national development plans while the health Strategic Plan (SP) goal is to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery.

The NHPF will cover a 10-year period and National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP) will be aligned with the National Development Plan which is expected to be developed to cover the period from 2024/25 – 2030 to coincide with the Vision 2030 Agenda.

Following a detailed situation analysis, stakeholder consultations, alignment with global and regional heath commitments, and aspirations of the overall national development goals, this NPHF identified six policy strategic areas to focus on;

1. To Enhance Health System Development for Attainment of universal health coverage (UHC) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the country
2. To Strengthen Health System Performance for Attainment of UHC and SDGs in the country
3. To Expand Essential Health Service Coverage for Addressing Common Health Conditions Affecting all Citizens in the Country
4. To Tackle all Determinants of Health in the Country
5. To Enhance Health Security in the country
6. To Expand the provision of essential social services and interventions

In his opening keynote speech, the Executive Director of the MoHSS highlighted that the vision of the NHPF is “A healthy nation, free of diseases of poverty and inequality”, while the Mission as a means to attain the vision, is “to provide determined leadership to make health and social welfare services effective, and efficient; to facilitate conditions for organized communities, households and individuals to take control of their health and to liaise with other sectors and partners driven by a shared commitment to health of the nation.

In her opening remarks, the WHO Officer in Charge also highlighted that WHO recommends the development of a strong National Health Policy Framework that reflects the vision, formalizes the agreements, and outlines implementation details. She assured the MoHSS, and the stakeholders present, that WHO will remain a steadfast partner, providing technical support, fostering collaboration, and advocating for the health and well-being of the people of Namibia.

The two-day workshop recorded massive representation of key stakeholders in government entities, the Office of the Prime Minister, the National Planning Commission (NPC), development cooperation partners including UN agencies, USG agencies, academic institutions, the private sector, civic organizations, trade unions, as well as youth groups. The workshop coordinated the inputs of all the stakeholders in the development of this key document. The final product will be submitted to the NPC for review and approval.