The Ministry of Health has responded to concerns raised by caregivers at Rundu Intermediate Hospital who say they are not receiving meals while staying with their sick children.
Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya addressed the issue on Thursday after media reports and public outcry suggested that mothers caring for hospitalised children are forced to rely on leftovers or food brought by relatives.
A 21-year-old mother from the Zambezi Region, who asked to remain anonymous, said she has been staying at the hospital since 19 December last year with her two-year-old son. She explained that, apart from worrying about her child’s condition, she also struggles with hunger, as caregivers like her are not provided with meals.
“Food is expensive and I’ve been here since December. I don’t have family in Rundu, so I survive on what others share with me or on leftovers from my child’s meals,” she said.
She added that she hasn’t had a proper meal in weeks and does not know when her child will be discharged.
Another mother, 30, who travelled from Andara about 120 kilometres from Rundu said she faces similar challenges. She is caring for her four-year-old daughter but has no income. She only eats when relatives are able to visit and bring food. On days they don’t come, she goes without eating.
Kamaya explained that due to limited funding, the hospital can only accommodate and provide meals to caregivers staying with children aged seven years and younger.
“These are the caregivers who qualify for food support,” he said, noting that the hospital is operating under strict budget constraints.
