Namibia’s Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Dr. Esperance Luvindao, has been chosen to lead Committee A at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland.
This is an important role, as Committee A is responsible for big decisions like approving the WHO’s next two-year budget and adopting a new agreement to help the world better prepare for and respond to future pandemics.
While many people have welcomed this achievement, the Health Ministry is also facing questions about a recent medicine deal.
Last week, activist Job Amupanda shared a post on Facebook, based on an investigation by the group EAGLE 25. The post revealed that malaria tablets were brought into Namibia through the Ngoma border from South Africa. The government reportedly paid N$1,500 per pack of 100 tablets. A total of 300 packs were bought for N$450,000.
But the same medicine was sold by the supplier to local middlemen for only N$580 per pack. This means the middlemen may have made over N$275,000 in profit on this one deal alone. Even if transport costs are considered, the profit remains large.
There are also health concerns. According to the report, the tablets in question are no longer recommended by health experts because of their side effects.
So far, the Health Ministry has not given an official response to the allegations. However, many people are now calling for the Ministry to explain the deal and ensure that public funds are used properly.
As Namibia takes on a bigger role in world health matters, people are urging the government to also lead by example at home, with honesty and responsibility in all health-related matters.
