MoHSS Responds After Job Amupanda Raises Alarm Over Medicine and HIV Test Kit Shortages
By TUW
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has issued a detailed clarification on the status of essential medicines and HIV testing kits in Namibia, following a widely circulated social media post by activist and politician Job Amupanda, who raised alarm over alleged severe shortages in public health facilities.
In his post, Amupanda claimed that the latest “Eagle 25” report showed critical gaps in national medical supplies. He alleged that 25% of medicines were out of stock and warned that HIV testing kits could soon be completely depleted. “It’s BAD BAD BAD,” Amupanda wrote, adding that levels of understocking reportedly stood at 53%, while only 13% of medicines were at satisfactory levels. He also said he intended to contact Health Minister Esperance Luvindao “to discuss and resolve this serious matter.”
The Ministry acknowledged that some health facilities have been under pressure due to temporary stock constraints, attributing this to procurement delays, global supply chain disruptions, and financial limitations. However, it stressed that mitigation measures are already in progress to stabilize supply across all regions.
According to the Ministry, regional health facilities have been provided with increased drug-buyout budgets, allowing them to procure essential medicines locally where necessary. Additional stock redistribution is also underway to support areas experiencing the highest levels of shortage.
Responding to concerns specifically related to paracetamol for children, the Ministry confirmed that supplies remain available but limited. It disclosed that an order for three million units of paracetamol syrup has been placed, with deliveries expected between mid-December 2025 and mid-January 2026. This shipment is projected to meet national demand for at least one year.
The Ministry also clarified the situation regarding HIV test kits, outlining the three types used in the national testing algorithm: Wantai Colloidal Gold for screening, Ungold for confirmatory testing, and Sure-Check as a tie-breaker.
Current national stock of Wantai Colloidal Gold is sufficient for approximately two to three months, with more than 1.5 million units already ordered for delivery within the next 12 weeks. Ungold supplies are adequate for four to six months, and additional procurement is underway. Sure-Check, which is used in less than two percent of HIV tests, remains available with new stock already in the procurement pipeline.
The Ministry reaffirmed that it remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines and diagnostic services. It said long-term procurement solutions, accelerated supply-chain actions, and strengthened redistribution strategies are being implemented to prevent further disruptions.
The Ministry urged the public to remain calm and assured Namibians that it is actively addressing the concerns raised, including those highlighted by Amupanda, while working to maintain consistent service delivery across the health sector.
