The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Namibia has reassured that the renewal of contracts for critical healthcare staff funded under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is actively underway. The move aims to ensure continuity of essential healthcare services, particularly in HIV prevention and treatment programs.
In a statement released on Friday, Ryan Bradeen, public relations officer for the U.S. Embassy, confirmed that 393 healthcare professionals seconded to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) are currently serving in public health facilities across the country. These employees received standard end-of-contract notices in August, as part of Namibia’s labour requirements for annual contracts ending on September 29, 2025. Bradeen emphasized that discussions are ongoing with the ministry to extend contracts for a portion of these personnel to maintain uninterrupted delivery of lifesaving services.
In addition, PEPFAR supports 853 healthcare workers employed through non-governmental organisations (NGOs). These staff members play a crucial role in areas such as clinical care, community HIV counselling, data management, logistics, and transport. Like their ministry counterparts, NGO-employed staff were issued end-of-contract notifications in August. Contract extensions are being negotiated to secure continued service provision.
Altogether, 1,246 PEPFAR-supported health workers, 393 seconded to the MOHSS and 853 NGO-affiliated are actively engaged in delivering healthcare services across Namibia. The Embassy confirmed that final decisions on contract renewals will depend on funding allocations and program priorities agreed upon with the ministry and NGO partners.
Bradeen also addressed recent reports claiming that 4,000 U.S.-funded healthcare jobs could be lost at the end of September 2025, clarifying that these figures are outdated and do not reflect the current staffing situation under PEPFAR.
